One Last Breath
~By: Lauren~
R E V E L A T I O N S
Before Meimi could respond to the middle-aged woman who had burst into the room, she was being pulled into a tight hug. So tight Meimi was sure her ribs would crack or she'd die from a loss of oxygen.
"Do you know HOW WORRIED I HAVE BEEN?! HOW COULD YOU LEAVE JUST LIKE THAT?!" Aunt Sally exclaimed while a few stray tears wandered down her cheek. She continued to blabber on while Meimi surveyed the changes. Her Aunt appeared happier, a more life-like appearance to her face. Her auburn hair had been cut to about her shoulders and she was clad in jeans and a loose sweater. She had on only a brush of makeup but Meimi knew she didn't need that, she was beautiful without it. Aunt Sally truthfully hadn't changed all that much physically, but it appeared as if she had matured emotionally a lot since Meimi had left. Even the way she poised herself seemed different and it seemed more...confidant.
Meimi wanted to avoid the subject that her Aunt was pounding in on. She wanted to avoid the accusations and comments about her leaving. She was tried of feeling guilty. The redhead glanced at her Aunt before noticing something. There was a gold and diamond ring on her ring finger. "What's that?" Meimi cut off Sally who was still rambling on.
"Oh this...?" Sally blushed, looking at her hand. "You remember my boyfriend from way back? He's my fiancée now...!!" The woman squealed with joy, completely forgetting her lecture from just a moment ago. "We were going to be married last year but I told him...I'd only get married if you were at the wedding. And so he's been waiting patiently. I knew you'd come back one day..."
"Congratulations." Meimi smiled, feeling a sudden wave of nausea and the urge to sleep hit her.
Suddenly, Sally switched subjects as she noticed something about Meimi. "Um...why are you handcuffed to the bed?"
Meimi yanked on the iron cuffs. "I'm handcuffed because of HIM!!" She glared at Asuka Jr.
Asuka Jr. noticed the weary look that appeared in the redhead's eyes once her glare faded. The majestic deep aqua eyes that only he could see from the angle he was looking from. He spoke up, "I think we should all let Meimi rest. And...I'll take off the handcuffs but only if you PROMISE not to try to run away."
"Fine. I promise." Meimi sighed. She didn't really think about what he was asking; her only concern was to get the stupid handcuffs off of her wrist. Asuka Jr. walked forward, unlocking them with ease before shoving them back into his pocket.
"Bye Meimi." The five teenagers said before all leaving the room, letting Aunt Sally stay behind for a moment.
"Meimi- there's something I need to talk to you about but now isn't the time. It's about your parents and it's really important but you rest now, ok? And...welcome home." Aunt Sally leaned down, patting Meimi's head affectionately before disappearing from the room.
Meimi was a bit confused. Something about her parents? "What could it be?" The question pounded through her body, demanding an answer yet weariness clung to her until she could barely keep her eyes open, let alone think. A peaceful sleep seemed to envelop her while a genuine smile formed on her lips.
Meimi was content. For once, it was as if she had come home.
~*~
Meimi yawned while opening her eyes slowly, peering around the room. She was alone. The redhead let out a relieved sigh. Finally she had some time to herself, time to think. Suddenly Meimi noticed a tiny figure moving near the back of the room. So maybe she...wasn't alone.
"H-Hello...?" She fearfully murmured, trying to make out the figure as it walked into the light.
A meek nurse smiled sadly at Meimi. It was a young girl with black hair. Hair so black it appeared to be raven feathers as it hung limply to about the girl's waist. She seemed somehow...familiar. Meimi froze as she looked into the girl's eyes. Recognition slammed into Meimi. She had seen this girl before, with Rei but her hair had been different...and she most definitely wasn't a nurse. "What do you want Zoey?" Meimi snarled, bracing herself for any kind of attack.
"You took Rei away from me." She whispered so quietly that Meimi had to strain to hear. Zoey's now eerily pale skin seemed to stand out from the dark corner she was in.
"He choose to confess. He did the right thing Zoey." Meimi retorted, pulling herself up so that she was in a sitting position on the bed. At that very moment, she loved painkillers.
"Look at you, so happy with all of your friends and your so called 'love.' It's pathetic. You destroy other's lives to make your own happy." Zoey hissed at Meimi.
"No! Shut up Zoey, you have no idea what you're saying." Meimi glared in a reply. "You hung with those scary creeps, it must have affected how you think."
"That's not true." Zoey crossed her arms. "Besides...the 'creeps' you talk about are in truth no more scary than what they represent in this world."
"Which are...?" Meimi gave the girl a confused look.
"Love." Zoey replied, smirking. Meimi raised an eyebrow as Zoey continued. "Just like a lover, a so called 'creep' receives the same treatment from you and then gives it back accordingly. When loved, it repays you with beauty and obedience; when hated, it repays you with savagery and illness. When forgotten, it is the one that leaves you behind in death. He listened to me, Rei was ready to kill all of you until you had to show up and be all righteous. I was still forgotten, always in the shadow of Celeste and now you...and so I've left him behind in death, or at least, in jail." She finished on a note of silky sorrow. "Your time for death will come one day soon." And with that said, Zoey disappeared out of the room. Meimi felt a cold draft blow at her until the door slammed shut.
From outside, Meimi could hear Asuka Jr.'s voice as he grabbed onto Zoey. She heard the familiar click of his handcuffs while Zoey's protesting voice wailing in anger.
The redhead let out a huff of breath. "Whatever." She frowned, sticking out her lip. "My very perception of everything has been turned upside down..." She thought, sullen and angry. The menacing leader turned out to be a willing slave, the fragile follower turned out to be a powerful dark sorceress, and the amazon who fancied herself a heroine turned out to be the biggest fool of all.
~*~
Meimi's head ached as the door, once again, opened. Aunt Sally stomped into the room, clenching her fists with persistence. Meimi shrank back from the woman; afraid she'd attack her somehow for leaving so long ago.
"Meimi, can I talk to you?" She plopped down in the chair next to the redhead's bed. She was going to finally talk to Meimi and nothing was going to interrupt them.
"Sure." Meimi nervously responded, slowly backing up from the side Aunt Sally sat in.
"There was something you and I never got to discuss before you, erm, ran away..." Aunt Sally sighed now, fidgeting with a loose string on her shirt.
"What is it?" Meimi peered at her with interest. What was it that would make her Aunt so nervous? She knew it was something about her parents, for Sally had mentioned that before.
"Well...you see..." But Aunt Sally was cut off as Tammy, Marie, Aaron and Tony burst into the room joyfully.
"MEIMI!!" Aaron launched himself towards the bed joyfully. "They caught Zoey!!!" The blonde was yanked back by Tony.
Tony scolded Aaron. "Don't hurt her again after she's just recovering." Turning back to Meimi, he spoke. "Asuka Jr. is letting us stay at his house until you fully recover. We're not going to risk you getting hurt or sick. Afterwards...I don't know what'll happen..." His voice trailed off sadly.
"EVERYBODY OUT!!!!" Sally exploded, screaming at the teenagers as she attempted to shove them out of the room. Her face was red with anger as she took in huffs of oxygen.
In surprise at the woman's outburst, they all filed out of the room, shutting the door behind them.
"MEIMI!" Aunt Sally calmed herself, her face turning from angry red back to its normal color. "You left before I was able to discuss your parents Will with you. I know this is a delicate subject for you but it needs to be talked about sooner or later and there's something you need to know."
Meimi's heart caught in her throat. "W-what...?" She felt tears prickling in her eyes.
"Well..." Sally took in a deep breath. "Honey, you see, your father made a lot more money than he let on. As you know, he was very talented as a magician but he was very modest. He didn't like to show that he had a great amount of wealth and neither did your mother. Plus, they had to think of your future. So they both created a bank account, storing a large sum of their money in it. Not only was the amount placed in it very large, but also it's gained a ton of interest over the years. They left it all to you in their will. They always thought of you first. They really love you Meimi." Aunt Sally finished, sinking back into her chair.
Meimi took in all the information. It felt as if a train was rushing into her head on. "H-how m-much did they l-leave...?" She stammered.
"I'm not sure of the total amount, as I'm sure it's grown, since you left, from the interest it has gained but...let's just say it's enough to support you for at least about two lifetimes." Sally smiled a bit.
Meimi's jaw dropped. Her eyes bulged open. "H-Holy...shit..." Those two words were the only things that were able to escape her mouth.
"Watch your language and crap isn't holy. Either way, what you do with the money ...well...that's up to you." Aunt Sally kept speaking; ignoring Meimi's shocked expression. "Either way, now you finally know." Getting up, she wandered towards the door before turning back towards Meimi. "Oh and...I'm really glad you're back home safely...I missed you..." And with that, she disappeared out of the door.
~*~
Asuka Jr. opened the door, strutting into Meimi's room.
Scratch alone time. Meimi made a mental note to get a lock for her door. Heck, with all the money she had she could BUY a new door. Meimi tried to create an icy barrier around her heart yet when she saw Asuka's smile, it merely melted. She had to fight it. Her friends might be leaving soon so how could she still love Asuka Jr.? But then again, how could she not after all they'd been through? Meimi growled in her throat. Zoey had to be wrong about her theory of love. Meimi had abandoned Asuka Jr. but he still loved her. He hadn't done anything to truly and spitefully hurt her since she returned. "Get out." She barked at the detective who only stood staring at her blankly.
He ignored her comment. "They're taking Zoey down to the station now. I just came in to check on you..." His voice trailed off. "Meimi...what's going on?" He finally questioned her nervously.
"What do you mean?" Meimi faked laughter and confusion.
"You know what I'm talking about. Why are you treating me so differently? What happened to change how you feel so quickly?" The hurt in his voice was clear. "I almost lost you- twice. Why do I feel like I'm losing you again?"
"Oh how much you don't know..." Meimi sullenly thought to herself. She spoke, "I don't know what you're talking about. I've never had any feelings for you." Even saying it, though she didn't mean it, caused her heart to ache.
Asuka Jr.'s face contorted to a look of pain. "How can you say that...? Meimi...I love you..."
And then suddenly, he stepped briskly towards her and wrapped her in his arms. Their embrace was soft, his words were tender and her heart was touched. There was no reply, for there was no use for one. There was only but the sweet silence. Nothing more than a simple sweet silence abounding in love as they gazed at each other through the soft tears in their eyes, nothing more than a man and a woman.
How could she have left her defenses down so easily? How could one single hug break through her lies so fast? Meimi just didn't understand. A tiny ache returned to her heart for she knew she might never see him again. But if she were to leave, no matter how much it hurt, she still wanted to know one thing. Meimi froze as she realized that she still secretly harbored the hope that Asuka Jr. loved the changed Meimi, not the Meimi of the old days from the past. If Meimi pursed the question on her tongue now, she knew that she might forever destroy that hope. But she had to know and there would be no future chances to ask; not if she left. She cleared her throat quietly before whispering, "When did you first think you loved me?" She hesitantly questioned Asuka Jr.
Asuka Jr. pulled back, giving her a confused look before taking in her question. "I...loved you always, I just didn't realize it." He replied bashfully, his face blushing crimson.
"No, that isn't so. Tell me the truth." Meimi tried to hide the gruffness in her voice. "Think hard." She now demanded.
Silence stretched on.
The silence was unbearable to Meimi, so she took the risk of prejudicing his answer. "Was it when I left you?" If he answered yes...oh if he answered yes...she knew her heart would be completely torn apart. It would hurt.
So badly.
Asuka Jr. nodded. "I realized then how much you meant to me, yes." His red blush was beginning to fade as he relaxed.
Meimi felt her heart begin to bleed.
Asuka Jr. kept talking. "But that wasn't the start of my love for you. Then I saw how much I cared for you but I thought it was only a crush, maybe because you were such a good friend or maybe I felt guilty about what happened. But I think it was afterwards, when you returned, when I saw you looking at fruit in the town marketplace. You didn't notice me there at first. Do you remember? It was after you split up from Tammy and the rest. I saw you laughing, looking at the different choices, talking with the seller and trying to drive a hard bargain. Then you won your cheap price. Your face was lit up with wonder and rapture, the triumph and gaiety of innocence radiated from your soul. You even clapped your hands when you picked out the best he had to sell. In that moment, I knew I loved you."
Meimi felt her heart lifting. She jumped into Asuka Jr.'s arms. He loved her. And she loved him. He loved the Meimi of now. And the love was real and true. Meimi melted into his strong arms, kissing his cheek softly and tingling at the sensation. Thoughts raced through her mind but only a few stuck out, "No matter how long or brief be life, love is invincible. No one can break us apart. No one can manipulate us- for nothing can affect a bond of true love."
Meimi smiled cheerfully as an idea formed in her mind. Her heart filled with happiness as she thought to herself. "I know what I want to do with my money. I want to make my dreams come true. No...everyone's dreams. This is for all of you..."
Asuka Jr. nuzzled Meimi gently.
"It is within my power to free Asuka Jr. from the duties of love by leaving...but it is also within my power to stay here for him, for love gives me this power. I choose to stay. Not for any stupid reason but for the good of the man I love. For the good of everyone I love." Meimi nodded her head, biting her lip to keep her joy from spilling over.
~*~
Fill up the body that becomes zero.
I no longer look for it over the sea.
~*~
Lauren: It's so sad; every time I read the reviews you all leave, I giggle happily like I'm drunk or something!! Then I bounce in my chair smiling super lots. I can't even BEGIN to express my thanks to all of you who take the time to read my story and then review it! So what do you think of the chapter? Dun dun dun!! I've been planning the whole will/money thing, since like, FOREVER! Wai!! The story's wrapping down to its final chapters!!! Thanks again for reviewing and enjoy!
~By: Lauren~
R E V E L A T I O N S
Before Meimi could respond to the middle-aged woman who had burst into the room, she was being pulled into a tight hug. So tight Meimi was sure her ribs would crack or she'd die from a loss of oxygen.
"Do you know HOW WORRIED I HAVE BEEN?! HOW COULD YOU LEAVE JUST LIKE THAT?!" Aunt Sally exclaimed while a few stray tears wandered down her cheek. She continued to blabber on while Meimi surveyed the changes. Her Aunt appeared happier, a more life-like appearance to her face. Her auburn hair had been cut to about her shoulders and she was clad in jeans and a loose sweater. She had on only a brush of makeup but Meimi knew she didn't need that, she was beautiful without it. Aunt Sally truthfully hadn't changed all that much physically, but it appeared as if she had matured emotionally a lot since Meimi had left. Even the way she poised herself seemed different and it seemed more...confidant.
Meimi wanted to avoid the subject that her Aunt was pounding in on. She wanted to avoid the accusations and comments about her leaving. She was tried of feeling guilty. The redhead glanced at her Aunt before noticing something. There was a gold and diamond ring on her ring finger. "What's that?" Meimi cut off Sally who was still rambling on.
"Oh this...?" Sally blushed, looking at her hand. "You remember my boyfriend from way back? He's my fiancée now...!!" The woman squealed with joy, completely forgetting her lecture from just a moment ago. "We were going to be married last year but I told him...I'd only get married if you were at the wedding. And so he's been waiting patiently. I knew you'd come back one day..."
"Congratulations." Meimi smiled, feeling a sudden wave of nausea and the urge to sleep hit her.
Suddenly, Sally switched subjects as she noticed something about Meimi. "Um...why are you handcuffed to the bed?"
Meimi yanked on the iron cuffs. "I'm handcuffed because of HIM!!" She glared at Asuka Jr.
Asuka Jr. noticed the weary look that appeared in the redhead's eyes once her glare faded. The majestic deep aqua eyes that only he could see from the angle he was looking from. He spoke up, "I think we should all let Meimi rest. And...I'll take off the handcuffs but only if you PROMISE not to try to run away."
"Fine. I promise." Meimi sighed. She didn't really think about what he was asking; her only concern was to get the stupid handcuffs off of her wrist. Asuka Jr. walked forward, unlocking them with ease before shoving them back into his pocket.
"Bye Meimi." The five teenagers said before all leaving the room, letting Aunt Sally stay behind for a moment.
"Meimi- there's something I need to talk to you about but now isn't the time. It's about your parents and it's really important but you rest now, ok? And...welcome home." Aunt Sally leaned down, patting Meimi's head affectionately before disappearing from the room.
Meimi was a bit confused. Something about her parents? "What could it be?" The question pounded through her body, demanding an answer yet weariness clung to her until she could barely keep her eyes open, let alone think. A peaceful sleep seemed to envelop her while a genuine smile formed on her lips.
Meimi was content. For once, it was as if she had come home.
~*~
Meimi yawned while opening her eyes slowly, peering around the room. She was alone. The redhead let out a relieved sigh. Finally she had some time to herself, time to think. Suddenly Meimi noticed a tiny figure moving near the back of the room. So maybe she...wasn't alone.
"H-Hello...?" She fearfully murmured, trying to make out the figure as it walked into the light.
A meek nurse smiled sadly at Meimi. It was a young girl with black hair. Hair so black it appeared to be raven feathers as it hung limply to about the girl's waist. She seemed somehow...familiar. Meimi froze as she looked into the girl's eyes. Recognition slammed into Meimi. She had seen this girl before, with Rei but her hair had been different...and she most definitely wasn't a nurse. "What do you want Zoey?" Meimi snarled, bracing herself for any kind of attack.
"You took Rei away from me." She whispered so quietly that Meimi had to strain to hear. Zoey's now eerily pale skin seemed to stand out from the dark corner she was in.
"He choose to confess. He did the right thing Zoey." Meimi retorted, pulling herself up so that she was in a sitting position on the bed. At that very moment, she loved painkillers.
"Look at you, so happy with all of your friends and your so called 'love.' It's pathetic. You destroy other's lives to make your own happy." Zoey hissed at Meimi.
"No! Shut up Zoey, you have no idea what you're saying." Meimi glared in a reply. "You hung with those scary creeps, it must have affected how you think."
"That's not true." Zoey crossed her arms. "Besides...the 'creeps' you talk about are in truth no more scary than what they represent in this world."
"Which are...?" Meimi gave the girl a confused look.
"Love." Zoey replied, smirking. Meimi raised an eyebrow as Zoey continued. "Just like a lover, a so called 'creep' receives the same treatment from you and then gives it back accordingly. When loved, it repays you with beauty and obedience; when hated, it repays you with savagery and illness. When forgotten, it is the one that leaves you behind in death. He listened to me, Rei was ready to kill all of you until you had to show up and be all righteous. I was still forgotten, always in the shadow of Celeste and now you...and so I've left him behind in death, or at least, in jail." She finished on a note of silky sorrow. "Your time for death will come one day soon." And with that said, Zoey disappeared out of the room. Meimi felt a cold draft blow at her until the door slammed shut.
From outside, Meimi could hear Asuka Jr.'s voice as he grabbed onto Zoey. She heard the familiar click of his handcuffs while Zoey's protesting voice wailing in anger.
The redhead let out a huff of breath. "Whatever." She frowned, sticking out her lip. "My very perception of everything has been turned upside down..." She thought, sullen and angry. The menacing leader turned out to be a willing slave, the fragile follower turned out to be a powerful dark sorceress, and the amazon who fancied herself a heroine turned out to be the biggest fool of all.
~*~
Meimi's head ached as the door, once again, opened. Aunt Sally stomped into the room, clenching her fists with persistence. Meimi shrank back from the woman; afraid she'd attack her somehow for leaving so long ago.
"Meimi, can I talk to you?" She plopped down in the chair next to the redhead's bed. She was going to finally talk to Meimi and nothing was going to interrupt them.
"Sure." Meimi nervously responded, slowly backing up from the side Aunt Sally sat in.
"There was something you and I never got to discuss before you, erm, ran away..." Aunt Sally sighed now, fidgeting with a loose string on her shirt.
"What is it?" Meimi peered at her with interest. What was it that would make her Aunt so nervous? She knew it was something about her parents, for Sally had mentioned that before.
"Well...you see..." But Aunt Sally was cut off as Tammy, Marie, Aaron and Tony burst into the room joyfully.
"MEIMI!!" Aaron launched himself towards the bed joyfully. "They caught Zoey!!!" The blonde was yanked back by Tony.
Tony scolded Aaron. "Don't hurt her again after she's just recovering." Turning back to Meimi, he spoke. "Asuka Jr. is letting us stay at his house until you fully recover. We're not going to risk you getting hurt or sick. Afterwards...I don't know what'll happen..." His voice trailed off sadly.
"EVERYBODY OUT!!!!" Sally exploded, screaming at the teenagers as she attempted to shove them out of the room. Her face was red with anger as she took in huffs of oxygen.
In surprise at the woman's outburst, they all filed out of the room, shutting the door behind them.
"MEIMI!" Aunt Sally calmed herself, her face turning from angry red back to its normal color. "You left before I was able to discuss your parents Will with you. I know this is a delicate subject for you but it needs to be talked about sooner or later and there's something you need to know."
Meimi's heart caught in her throat. "W-what...?" She felt tears prickling in her eyes.
"Well..." Sally took in a deep breath. "Honey, you see, your father made a lot more money than he let on. As you know, he was very talented as a magician but he was very modest. He didn't like to show that he had a great amount of wealth and neither did your mother. Plus, they had to think of your future. So they both created a bank account, storing a large sum of their money in it. Not only was the amount placed in it very large, but also it's gained a ton of interest over the years. They left it all to you in their will. They always thought of you first. They really love you Meimi." Aunt Sally finished, sinking back into her chair.
Meimi took in all the information. It felt as if a train was rushing into her head on. "H-how m-much did they l-leave...?" She stammered.
"I'm not sure of the total amount, as I'm sure it's grown, since you left, from the interest it has gained but...let's just say it's enough to support you for at least about two lifetimes." Sally smiled a bit.
Meimi's jaw dropped. Her eyes bulged open. "H-Holy...shit..." Those two words were the only things that were able to escape her mouth.
"Watch your language and crap isn't holy. Either way, what you do with the money ...well...that's up to you." Aunt Sally kept speaking; ignoring Meimi's shocked expression. "Either way, now you finally know." Getting up, she wandered towards the door before turning back towards Meimi. "Oh and...I'm really glad you're back home safely...I missed you..." And with that, she disappeared out of the door.
~*~
Asuka Jr. opened the door, strutting into Meimi's room.
Scratch alone time. Meimi made a mental note to get a lock for her door. Heck, with all the money she had she could BUY a new door. Meimi tried to create an icy barrier around her heart yet when she saw Asuka's smile, it merely melted. She had to fight it. Her friends might be leaving soon so how could she still love Asuka Jr.? But then again, how could she not after all they'd been through? Meimi growled in her throat. Zoey had to be wrong about her theory of love. Meimi had abandoned Asuka Jr. but he still loved her. He hadn't done anything to truly and spitefully hurt her since she returned. "Get out." She barked at the detective who only stood staring at her blankly.
He ignored her comment. "They're taking Zoey down to the station now. I just came in to check on you..." His voice trailed off. "Meimi...what's going on?" He finally questioned her nervously.
"What do you mean?" Meimi faked laughter and confusion.
"You know what I'm talking about. Why are you treating me so differently? What happened to change how you feel so quickly?" The hurt in his voice was clear. "I almost lost you- twice. Why do I feel like I'm losing you again?"
"Oh how much you don't know..." Meimi sullenly thought to herself. She spoke, "I don't know what you're talking about. I've never had any feelings for you." Even saying it, though she didn't mean it, caused her heart to ache.
Asuka Jr.'s face contorted to a look of pain. "How can you say that...? Meimi...I love you..."
And then suddenly, he stepped briskly towards her and wrapped her in his arms. Their embrace was soft, his words were tender and her heart was touched. There was no reply, for there was no use for one. There was only but the sweet silence. Nothing more than a simple sweet silence abounding in love as they gazed at each other through the soft tears in their eyes, nothing more than a man and a woman.
How could she have left her defenses down so easily? How could one single hug break through her lies so fast? Meimi just didn't understand. A tiny ache returned to her heart for she knew she might never see him again. But if she were to leave, no matter how much it hurt, she still wanted to know one thing. Meimi froze as she realized that she still secretly harbored the hope that Asuka Jr. loved the changed Meimi, not the Meimi of the old days from the past. If Meimi pursed the question on her tongue now, she knew that she might forever destroy that hope. But she had to know and there would be no future chances to ask; not if she left. She cleared her throat quietly before whispering, "When did you first think you loved me?" She hesitantly questioned Asuka Jr.
Asuka Jr. pulled back, giving her a confused look before taking in her question. "I...loved you always, I just didn't realize it." He replied bashfully, his face blushing crimson.
"No, that isn't so. Tell me the truth." Meimi tried to hide the gruffness in her voice. "Think hard." She now demanded.
Silence stretched on.
The silence was unbearable to Meimi, so she took the risk of prejudicing his answer. "Was it when I left you?" If he answered yes...oh if he answered yes...she knew her heart would be completely torn apart. It would hurt.
So badly.
Asuka Jr. nodded. "I realized then how much you meant to me, yes." His red blush was beginning to fade as he relaxed.
Meimi felt her heart begin to bleed.
Asuka Jr. kept talking. "But that wasn't the start of my love for you. Then I saw how much I cared for you but I thought it was only a crush, maybe because you were such a good friend or maybe I felt guilty about what happened. But I think it was afterwards, when you returned, when I saw you looking at fruit in the town marketplace. You didn't notice me there at first. Do you remember? It was after you split up from Tammy and the rest. I saw you laughing, looking at the different choices, talking with the seller and trying to drive a hard bargain. Then you won your cheap price. Your face was lit up with wonder and rapture, the triumph and gaiety of innocence radiated from your soul. You even clapped your hands when you picked out the best he had to sell. In that moment, I knew I loved you."
Meimi felt her heart lifting. She jumped into Asuka Jr.'s arms. He loved her. And she loved him. He loved the Meimi of now. And the love was real and true. Meimi melted into his strong arms, kissing his cheek softly and tingling at the sensation. Thoughts raced through her mind but only a few stuck out, "No matter how long or brief be life, love is invincible. No one can break us apart. No one can manipulate us- for nothing can affect a bond of true love."
Meimi smiled cheerfully as an idea formed in her mind. Her heart filled with happiness as she thought to herself. "I know what I want to do with my money. I want to make my dreams come true. No...everyone's dreams. This is for all of you..."
Asuka Jr. nuzzled Meimi gently.
"It is within my power to free Asuka Jr. from the duties of love by leaving...but it is also within my power to stay here for him, for love gives me this power. I choose to stay. Not for any stupid reason but for the good of the man I love. For the good of everyone I love." Meimi nodded her head, biting her lip to keep her joy from spilling over.
~*~
Fill up the body that becomes zero.
I no longer look for it over the sea.
~*~
Lauren: It's so sad; every time I read the reviews you all leave, I giggle happily like I'm drunk or something!! Then I bounce in my chair smiling super lots. I can't even BEGIN to express my thanks to all of you who take the time to read my story and then review it! So what do you think of the chapter? Dun dun dun!! I've been planning the whole will/money thing, since like, FOREVER! Wai!! The story's wrapping down to its final chapters!!! Thanks again for reviewing and enjoy!