Chapter 25 - Christmas' Eve
The setting sun was a marvellous sight through the windows of the room. She had never beheld such a beautiful scene and was mesmerised. "Yuki," said Shigeru, holding up a black silk halter-neck dress that ended in a full skirt, "This would fit you perfectly." Yuki tore herself away from the sunset and turned to Shigeru. "A little make-up and you would look really beautiful," commented Shigeru as she brought the dress to fit it against Yuki. Yuki nodded.
"Thank you," she said politely. "Go on. Try it," urged Shigeru, "I bet Sojiro's going to be so captivated when he sees you." Yuki smiled sheepishly. "I've got a pair of matching shoes here," called Shigeru as Yuki entered the bathroom with the dress, "I'll leave them by the bed." Yuki nodded again before closing the door.
"All right," muttered Shigeru, "What shall I wear?" Rummaging through her wardrobe, she finally decides on a two-toned bluish bustier. The duo had left Rui's apartment that afternoon to go to her parents' home to get ready for the party. The boys remained at Rui's and will pick them up later. "Now where's my shawl?" she questioned quietly, opening drawer after drawer.
The party of six had spent the entire week planning the rescue mission that little time was left for their own events, including shopping for their wardrobe. Thus, Yuki had to borrow most of her clothes from Shigeru, including this evening's ball. Whether their rescue plan will work or not depends on the circumstances tonight, although they have worked out a couple of scenarios.
"Got it!" exclaimed Shigeru happily, holding up the matching shawl just as the bathroom door clicked opened. "Do you think it's a bit too exposed?" asked Yuki uncertainly, referring to her bared back. Shigeru shook her head. "Of course not!" she exclaimed, "Come, sit here. Let me do your hair and add the colours and you're ready to go!" Yuki can't help but smile at Shigeru's child-like excitement as she thought, "No wonder Tsukushi regards her as a good friend."
************
"Good evening, Tsukasa-sama," greeted Masaki, entering Tsukasa's room. Tsukasa made no response as he stared out the window at the setting sun. He had bide his time and it has arrived. He knew where Tsukushi was and tonight would be his last night as Doumyoji Tsukasa. Tonight was the night he would say goodbye to his family name and leave behind whatever planned life his mother had for him. He had earlier in the day demanded to see her but was prevented so by Kaede.
"It's a week now," said Tsukasa in a firm tone, "You've promised that I would see her." Kaede remained emotionless. "A deal is a deal," said Tsukasa, clenching his fists. Kaede got up from her seat and picked up her briefcase. "You'll see her tonight at the mansion," said Kaede nonchalantly, passing him to the exit, "We have a Christmas event tonight at home so I expect you to be ready by then."
"Do I have to wait till after the event?!" exclaimed Tsukasa as he glared at his mother. "I've got a meeting to attend now," said Kaede, "A deal is a deal. It doesn't matter whether it's before or after the event. Get back to work." Tsukasa stood fuming as his mother closed the door. In normal circumstances, Tsukasa would have crashed the place and thus expecting that to happen, Kaede stood in front of the closed door for a while. She was amazed that not a sound was heard from the door beyond. "Madam, we have to go," informed her personal assistant. Kaede nodded, but before leaving, she listened intently again. There was silence.
Tsukasa wanted very much to vent his frustrations then but had held himself. "Tsukasa-sama," interrupted Masaki, "I'm sorry but you have to change and be downstairs in the hall." Tsukasa sighed quietly. "Tell my parents that I'll be down shortly," he said, walking over to where his tuxedo hung. "I will do so," replied Masaki as he retreated.
Tsukasa stared at the suit in front of him. He will entertain one last time and after that, he'll leave this lifestyle forever to be with his beloved in a faraway place where their lives would be a simple affair.
************
The foursome arrived at Shigeru's place slightly after half past five. "Isn't it a bit early to come and pick them up?" asked Akira as they entered the grounds of the Okawahara's. "I think we should go through the plan one last time before we head for the mansion," replied Sojiro, "Knowing Shigeru, she might just mess things up." Akira chuckled.
"Hey, that's a bit unfair," said Tomoya, and then after pondering a while, "All right, she can be a klutz at times..." The trio stared at him, surprised at his comment; but soon all four burst into laughter. "What's so funny?" asked Shigeru, as she descended the stairs. She had heard their laughter and had a suspicion that she might be their topic. "Oh, we were just commenting on a drama we've watched earlier," replied Tomoya, suppressing his laugh by pretending to cough. "Are you sure?" eyed Shigeru suspiciously. Tomoya nodded and changed the topic, complimenting her, "You look nice."
"Ohh," said a sheepish Shigeru, turning red, "Thank you." And like a chameleon, she changes her attention quickly, pointing up the stairs. "Wait till you see her," said Shigeru, "Yuki! Come on down!" The foursome had not noticed the shy girl at the top of the stairs and as Yuki slowly emerged, they stared in awe. Sojiro was dumbstruck as the simple girl he knew was a lady tonight.
"Are you going to be standing there all night, just staring?" nudged Rui teasingly. Sojiro snapped out of his revelation, walked halfway up the stairs and extended his hand to her. Awkwardly, Yuki places her hand on his. When she had done so, Sojiro bent over and kissed it like a perfect gentleman would, taking her by surprise. "You look really beautiful tonight," he complimented and raising his arm for her to take, "Shall we?" Yuki smiled and nodded as she took his arm. "All right!" announced Shigeru, "Let's go then."
"Not so fast," said Tomoya, catching hold of her waist. "Huh?" queried Shigeru. "We need to go through some details before we head for the mansion," answered Tomoya. "We've gone through that already!" she exclaimed, "I don't think there's a need to go through it again!" Tomoya smiled and ushered her to the hall as the rest followed.
************
Tsukushi stared quietly out the window as the sun slowly set in the horizon. A week had gone by and yet there was still no sign of Tsukasa. It's Christmas' eve and Kaede did promised that she'll get to see Tsukasa today. The only time she got to see him was the day after they arrived at the mansion - it was a glimpse as she watched him from afar in her chambers. Never once after that day did she again get to catch a glimpse of him.
Her chambers turned amber as the setting sun disappear slowly behind the clouds. The day is almost over. "Good evening," greeted the maids, as they entered her chambers. Tsukushi turned around, a little surprised for she had not expected them at that hour. She smiled wanly and returned their greetings.
"I'll have your bath ready in a while," informed one of them as she entered the bathroom. Tsukushi was puzzled. "Er...Excuse me, Maeda-san," interrupted Tsukushi, "I think it's a bit early for me to take my bath and go to bed, right? Besides, I've not had my dinner yet."
Maeda Yuko smiled and disappeared into the bathroom all the same while the other had exited the room with her tea tray. Her week at the mansion had allowed interaction with the maids and she knew them by their family name. Though she was friendly with them, they continue to maintain their distance and spoke only when spoken too. Tsukushi sighed and sat on her bed. She had not seen Tsubaki too and wondered where she's gone.
A little while later, the other maid entered her chambers with a parcel in her hand. Tsukushi watched quietly as she approached the bed. The maid smiled. "This is your dress for this evening's party," said the maid as she laid the box on the bed. "Part...Party?" asked Tsukushi. The maid nodded and retreated to the dressing table.
Just as Tsukushi was about to question further, the bathroom door opened. "Your bath's ready," informed Yuko, approaching Tsukushi with the bathrobe. "Thank you," replied Tsukushi as she took it. "Do hurry a little," urged the other maid at the dressing table. "Why, Takemura-san?" asked Tsukushi. Takemura Hitomi smiled and revealed nothing. Tsukushi shrugged and entered the bathroom to have her bath as instructed.
"I miss him badly," she thought as she stared at the bathtub and then, memories of the first time she's had been in a bathtub returned. She was framed and bullied then by the students in Eitoku. Tsukasa had come to her rescue when she was about to give up and his belief in her gave her comfort, warmth and strength. "Will I see you tonight, Doumyoji?" muttered Tsukushi as she slipped out of her bathrobe and into the tub.
************
"Can we go now?" asked an impatient Shigeru as the group repeated the scenarios a third time round, "Come on. We can't waste time planning all scenarios! What if none of them materialises?! We'll just have to play by ear..." The group stared at her for a split second of silence. "She's right," said Rui finally, "We can plan all possible scenarios but how we carry it out will ultimately depend on the real picture there." Shigeru smiled triumphantly and replied, "Finally! Someone sees my point!"
"All right, then," said Tomoya, getting up from the couch, "We should get going anyway or we'll be really late. Shall we?" Shigeru nodded as he extended his arm for her. "I just hope she doesn't mess things up when we get there," whispered Akira to the F2. Sojiro shrugged as he helped Yuki with her coat and whispered back, "I'm sure Tomoya's a good trainer. Right, Rui?" Rui smiled as he exited after the other two.
************
The massive hall of the Doumyoji mansion was draped in Christmas colours of gold, silver, green and red; and it was filled with guests of prestige and wealth. Tsukasa stood at the top of the stairs, silently watching every guest as they moved through the hall. He was keeping his eye out for someone but caught no sight of her. "I must be crazy to think my mother would allow her to attend this event," thought Tsukasa, descending the stairs.
"Ah, there you are," said Kaede, extending her hand to slip into her son's arm, "We've been waiting for you." Tsukasa frowned as he followed his mother into the main hall. Seiryo smiled as the duo approached. "Glad to see you, my son," said Seiryo, "I'm sorry for not being here when you arrived. There is just too many things I've to attend to in Europe." Tsukasa forced a smile and replied politely, "I understand."
"Let me introduce," said Seiryo as Kaede moved over to join her husband, "This is Takahashi Miura and his wife, Takahashi Ayumi." Tsukasa extended his hand to shake theirs. "Pleased to meet you," he said. "My, my, Seiryo," commented Miura, "You've got a pretty fine son here. If I had daughters, I would very much like to have him for a son-in-law." Seiryo laughed as he replied, "Not at all but thank you for the compliment. He's in fact, no longer available." Tsukasa stared at his father, surprised at his comment. "Oh, what a pity!" said Ayumi, "I thought I could introduce my nieces to him."
"Well, next time, perhaps," answered Kaede politely. Tsukasa was not paying attention to the conversation as his mind pondered on his father's earlier comment. "What was father talking about?" he thought, "I hope..." His thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of six familiar faces in front of him. "Good evening," greeted Shigeru politely, addressing the older couples with Tsukasa before smiling at him. The rest followed and subsequent introductions were made.
Kaede welcomed them cordially and asked after their parents before excusing herself to attend to another guest. Taking advantage of her disappearance, Tsukasa excused himself together with the six. "Glad to see all of you," said Tsukasa. "We're glad to see that you're fine," said Sojiro. "Where's Makino? Is she all right?" asked Rui.
"I think so," replied Tsukasa, "I believe you're here to lend me a helping hand, right?" They nodded. "Do you know where she is?" asked Shigeru. Tsukasa nodded but before he could divulge further, someone had tapped him on his shoulder. "Onee-san!" exclaimed all seven. Tsubaki smiled.
************
"Makino-san," interrupted the maid, "Allow me to help you with the dress." Tsukushi shook her head and said, "It's all right. I can manage." The maid smiled and replied, "I'll be outside and once you're ready, do let me know. I'll help you with your hair and make-up." Tsukushi nodded as the maid promptly excused herself to allow her privacy.
Staring at the dress, Tsukushi hesitated. "Why am I attending this party?" she thought. "Does the dress not fit?" asked a female voice nonchalantly. Tsukushi spun around. She recognised that voice and frowned before replying, "I would have expected you to knock." Kaede shrugged, approached the bed and picked up the dress. "Change into it quickly," she said, pushing the dress into Tsukushi's hands, "It's impolite to be late for a party in this house." Tsukushi took the dress reluctantly as Kaede passed her and headed for the exit of her chambers.
"Is there a need for me to be present at this party?" asked Tsukushi, slowly turning to face her. Kaede made no reply and opened the door. "Help her with the dress and do it quickly," she instructed the maid by the door. The maid nodded. Tsukushi listened as Kaede's footsteps faded down the hall. "I don't like this," muttered Tsukushi, staring at the dress in her hands, "Just what is she up to?"
The setting sun was a marvellous sight through the windows of the room. She had never beheld such a beautiful scene and was mesmerised. "Yuki," said Shigeru, holding up a black silk halter-neck dress that ended in a full skirt, "This would fit you perfectly." Yuki tore herself away from the sunset and turned to Shigeru. "A little make-up and you would look really beautiful," commented Shigeru as she brought the dress to fit it against Yuki. Yuki nodded.
"Thank you," she said politely. "Go on. Try it," urged Shigeru, "I bet Sojiro's going to be so captivated when he sees you." Yuki smiled sheepishly. "I've got a pair of matching shoes here," called Shigeru as Yuki entered the bathroom with the dress, "I'll leave them by the bed." Yuki nodded again before closing the door.
"All right," muttered Shigeru, "What shall I wear?" Rummaging through her wardrobe, she finally decides on a two-toned bluish bustier. The duo had left Rui's apartment that afternoon to go to her parents' home to get ready for the party. The boys remained at Rui's and will pick them up later. "Now where's my shawl?" she questioned quietly, opening drawer after drawer.
The party of six had spent the entire week planning the rescue mission that little time was left for their own events, including shopping for their wardrobe. Thus, Yuki had to borrow most of her clothes from Shigeru, including this evening's ball. Whether their rescue plan will work or not depends on the circumstances tonight, although they have worked out a couple of scenarios.
"Got it!" exclaimed Shigeru happily, holding up the matching shawl just as the bathroom door clicked opened. "Do you think it's a bit too exposed?" asked Yuki uncertainly, referring to her bared back. Shigeru shook her head. "Of course not!" she exclaimed, "Come, sit here. Let me do your hair and add the colours and you're ready to go!" Yuki can't help but smile at Shigeru's child-like excitement as she thought, "No wonder Tsukushi regards her as a good friend."
************
"Good evening, Tsukasa-sama," greeted Masaki, entering Tsukasa's room. Tsukasa made no response as he stared out the window at the setting sun. He had bide his time and it has arrived. He knew where Tsukushi was and tonight would be his last night as Doumyoji Tsukasa. Tonight was the night he would say goodbye to his family name and leave behind whatever planned life his mother had for him. He had earlier in the day demanded to see her but was prevented so by Kaede.
"It's a week now," said Tsukasa in a firm tone, "You've promised that I would see her." Kaede remained emotionless. "A deal is a deal," said Tsukasa, clenching his fists. Kaede got up from her seat and picked up her briefcase. "You'll see her tonight at the mansion," said Kaede nonchalantly, passing him to the exit, "We have a Christmas event tonight at home so I expect you to be ready by then."
"Do I have to wait till after the event?!" exclaimed Tsukasa as he glared at his mother. "I've got a meeting to attend now," said Kaede, "A deal is a deal. It doesn't matter whether it's before or after the event. Get back to work." Tsukasa stood fuming as his mother closed the door. In normal circumstances, Tsukasa would have crashed the place and thus expecting that to happen, Kaede stood in front of the closed door for a while. She was amazed that not a sound was heard from the door beyond. "Madam, we have to go," informed her personal assistant. Kaede nodded, but before leaving, she listened intently again. There was silence.
Tsukasa wanted very much to vent his frustrations then but had held himself. "Tsukasa-sama," interrupted Masaki, "I'm sorry but you have to change and be downstairs in the hall." Tsukasa sighed quietly. "Tell my parents that I'll be down shortly," he said, walking over to where his tuxedo hung. "I will do so," replied Masaki as he retreated.
Tsukasa stared at the suit in front of him. He will entertain one last time and after that, he'll leave this lifestyle forever to be with his beloved in a faraway place where their lives would be a simple affair.
************
The foursome arrived at Shigeru's place slightly after half past five. "Isn't it a bit early to come and pick them up?" asked Akira as they entered the grounds of the Okawahara's. "I think we should go through the plan one last time before we head for the mansion," replied Sojiro, "Knowing Shigeru, she might just mess things up." Akira chuckled.
"Hey, that's a bit unfair," said Tomoya, and then after pondering a while, "All right, she can be a klutz at times..." The trio stared at him, surprised at his comment; but soon all four burst into laughter. "What's so funny?" asked Shigeru, as she descended the stairs. She had heard their laughter and had a suspicion that she might be their topic. "Oh, we were just commenting on a drama we've watched earlier," replied Tomoya, suppressing his laugh by pretending to cough. "Are you sure?" eyed Shigeru suspiciously. Tomoya nodded and changed the topic, complimenting her, "You look nice."
"Ohh," said a sheepish Shigeru, turning red, "Thank you." And like a chameleon, she changes her attention quickly, pointing up the stairs. "Wait till you see her," said Shigeru, "Yuki! Come on down!" The foursome had not noticed the shy girl at the top of the stairs and as Yuki slowly emerged, they stared in awe. Sojiro was dumbstruck as the simple girl he knew was a lady tonight.
"Are you going to be standing there all night, just staring?" nudged Rui teasingly. Sojiro snapped out of his revelation, walked halfway up the stairs and extended his hand to her. Awkwardly, Yuki places her hand on his. When she had done so, Sojiro bent over and kissed it like a perfect gentleman would, taking her by surprise. "You look really beautiful tonight," he complimented and raising his arm for her to take, "Shall we?" Yuki smiled and nodded as she took his arm. "All right!" announced Shigeru, "Let's go then."
"Not so fast," said Tomoya, catching hold of her waist. "Huh?" queried Shigeru. "We need to go through some details before we head for the mansion," answered Tomoya. "We've gone through that already!" she exclaimed, "I don't think there's a need to go through it again!" Tomoya smiled and ushered her to the hall as the rest followed.
************
Tsukushi stared quietly out the window as the sun slowly set in the horizon. A week had gone by and yet there was still no sign of Tsukasa. It's Christmas' eve and Kaede did promised that she'll get to see Tsukasa today. The only time she got to see him was the day after they arrived at the mansion - it was a glimpse as she watched him from afar in her chambers. Never once after that day did she again get to catch a glimpse of him.
Her chambers turned amber as the setting sun disappear slowly behind the clouds. The day is almost over. "Good evening," greeted the maids, as they entered her chambers. Tsukushi turned around, a little surprised for she had not expected them at that hour. She smiled wanly and returned their greetings.
"I'll have your bath ready in a while," informed one of them as she entered the bathroom. Tsukushi was puzzled. "Er...Excuse me, Maeda-san," interrupted Tsukushi, "I think it's a bit early for me to take my bath and go to bed, right? Besides, I've not had my dinner yet."
Maeda Yuko smiled and disappeared into the bathroom all the same while the other had exited the room with her tea tray. Her week at the mansion had allowed interaction with the maids and she knew them by their family name. Though she was friendly with them, they continue to maintain their distance and spoke only when spoken too. Tsukushi sighed and sat on her bed. She had not seen Tsubaki too and wondered where she's gone.
A little while later, the other maid entered her chambers with a parcel in her hand. Tsukushi watched quietly as she approached the bed. The maid smiled. "This is your dress for this evening's party," said the maid as she laid the box on the bed. "Part...Party?" asked Tsukushi. The maid nodded and retreated to the dressing table.
Just as Tsukushi was about to question further, the bathroom door opened. "Your bath's ready," informed Yuko, approaching Tsukushi with the bathrobe. "Thank you," replied Tsukushi as she took it. "Do hurry a little," urged the other maid at the dressing table. "Why, Takemura-san?" asked Tsukushi. Takemura Hitomi smiled and revealed nothing. Tsukushi shrugged and entered the bathroom to have her bath as instructed.
"I miss him badly," she thought as she stared at the bathtub and then, memories of the first time she's had been in a bathtub returned. She was framed and bullied then by the students in Eitoku. Tsukasa had come to her rescue when she was about to give up and his belief in her gave her comfort, warmth and strength. "Will I see you tonight, Doumyoji?" muttered Tsukushi as she slipped out of her bathrobe and into the tub.
************
"Can we go now?" asked an impatient Shigeru as the group repeated the scenarios a third time round, "Come on. We can't waste time planning all scenarios! What if none of them materialises?! We'll just have to play by ear..." The group stared at her for a split second of silence. "She's right," said Rui finally, "We can plan all possible scenarios but how we carry it out will ultimately depend on the real picture there." Shigeru smiled triumphantly and replied, "Finally! Someone sees my point!"
"All right, then," said Tomoya, getting up from the couch, "We should get going anyway or we'll be really late. Shall we?" Shigeru nodded as he extended his arm for her. "I just hope she doesn't mess things up when we get there," whispered Akira to the F2. Sojiro shrugged as he helped Yuki with her coat and whispered back, "I'm sure Tomoya's a good trainer. Right, Rui?" Rui smiled as he exited after the other two.
************
The massive hall of the Doumyoji mansion was draped in Christmas colours of gold, silver, green and red; and it was filled with guests of prestige and wealth. Tsukasa stood at the top of the stairs, silently watching every guest as they moved through the hall. He was keeping his eye out for someone but caught no sight of her. "I must be crazy to think my mother would allow her to attend this event," thought Tsukasa, descending the stairs.
"Ah, there you are," said Kaede, extending her hand to slip into her son's arm, "We've been waiting for you." Tsukasa frowned as he followed his mother into the main hall. Seiryo smiled as the duo approached. "Glad to see you, my son," said Seiryo, "I'm sorry for not being here when you arrived. There is just too many things I've to attend to in Europe." Tsukasa forced a smile and replied politely, "I understand."
"Let me introduce," said Seiryo as Kaede moved over to join her husband, "This is Takahashi Miura and his wife, Takahashi Ayumi." Tsukasa extended his hand to shake theirs. "Pleased to meet you," he said. "My, my, Seiryo," commented Miura, "You've got a pretty fine son here. If I had daughters, I would very much like to have him for a son-in-law." Seiryo laughed as he replied, "Not at all but thank you for the compliment. He's in fact, no longer available." Tsukasa stared at his father, surprised at his comment. "Oh, what a pity!" said Ayumi, "I thought I could introduce my nieces to him."
"Well, next time, perhaps," answered Kaede politely. Tsukasa was not paying attention to the conversation as his mind pondered on his father's earlier comment. "What was father talking about?" he thought, "I hope..." His thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of six familiar faces in front of him. "Good evening," greeted Shigeru politely, addressing the older couples with Tsukasa before smiling at him. The rest followed and subsequent introductions were made.
Kaede welcomed them cordially and asked after their parents before excusing herself to attend to another guest. Taking advantage of her disappearance, Tsukasa excused himself together with the six. "Glad to see all of you," said Tsukasa. "We're glad to see that you're fine," said Sojiro. "Where's Makino? Is she all right?" asked Rui.
"I think so," replied Tsukasa, "I believe you're here to lend me a helping hand, right?" They nodded. "Do you know where she is?" asked Shigeru. Tsukasa nodded but before he could divulge further, someone had tapped him on his shoulder. "Onee-san!" exclaimed all seven. Tsubaki smiled.
************
"Makino-san," interrupted the maid, "Allow me to help you with the dress." Tsukushi shook her head and said, "It's all right. I can manage." The maid smiled and replied, "I'll be outside and once you're ready, do let me know. I'll help you with your hair and make-up." Tsukushi nodded as the maid promptly excused herself to allow her privacy.
Staring at the dress, Tsukushi hesitated. "Why am I attending this party?" she thought. "Does the dress not fit?" asked a female voice nonchalantly. Tsukushi spun around. She recognised that voice and frowned before replying, "I would have expected you to knock." Kaede shrugged, approached the bed and picked up the dress. "Change into it quickly," she said, pushing the dress into Tsukushi's hands, "It's impolite to be late for a party in this house." Tsukushi took the dress reluctantly as Kaede passed her and headed for the exit of her chambers.
"Is there a need for me to be present at this party?" asked Tsukushi, slowly turning to face her. Kaede made no reply and opened the door. "Help her with the dress and do it quickly," she instructed the maid by the door. The maid nodded. Tsukushi listened as Kaede's footsteps faded down the hall. "I don't like this," muttered Tsukushi, staring at the dress in her hands, "Just what is she up to?"