Chapter 9 The departure
Breakfast at the Tendo's was a bit unusual this morning. Even though they had gotten used to just being the four of them, with Gemna away, and Ranma living with his mother, it was still much quieter than usual. They had gotten used to peaceful mornings again. If he closed his eyes, Soun could almost pretend that life was back to how it was prior to the Saotomes moving in. He was still unsure of why exactly he was allowing his baby girl to go so far away to school, but when she had asked with those eyes glowing, and with her smiling face, he just couldn't refuse. Nabiki was a bit jealous, even though she was having a good time at her college; she still came home at night. Akane was anxious, already beginning to miss her family, after all she was going to be by herself in America. Even Kasumi was a bit subdued. At least the weather was auspicious for the trip. Soun hoped that would be a good omen. After they finished the meal, no one left the table. After all, this was the last time they would all be together for a long time. They just wanted to feel the closeness for as long as it was possible.
Eventually, though, all good things must come to an end. There was a knock on the door. Kasumi went and answered, and came back to report that the cab was there, and it was time to leave. After gathering up all of the luggage, and putting it in the trunk, the four of them set off to the airport.
The Tendos and the Saotomes, missing Gemna who still hadn't come back from his training trip, met at the Tokyo airport a few hours prior to Akane's flight. Ryoga didn't make it, but they hadn't seen him for several months. After making sure all of her luggage was checked, they stood around waiting for her flight.
Kasumi and Nabiki were talking to Akane, telling her how much they envied her getting the opportunity. "Now that you're leaving, and Nabiki is spending most of her time on campus, maybe I ought to go to school as well. I always wanted to get into nursing," Kasumi said, "After all, there's more to life than housework, you know. I'm so glad that father finally started accepting students at the dojo. It will give him something to do while Mr. Saotome is gone."
"Yeah, he actually seems happier now than I have seen in a long time, I think the only thing he misses is the games at night with Mr. Saotome," Nabiki replied. 'How did Auntie Nodoka know about that zoo needing a Panda,' she wondered to herself.
"Kasumi, take care of P-chan, that is if he ever turns up. I can't imagine where he got to this time; it's been a while since he has been around. Look at the time, I guess I need to start heading to the departure lounge," Akane said. She hugged her sisters, then walked over to her father and Nodoka. She hugged her father. "Father, thank you for allowing me to do this. You know how much this means to me."
"All I want is for my little girl to be happy, you're all grown up now," as he broke down crying.
Akane looked at her 'Aunt', Nodoka just smiled and nodded, then hugged her, "You take care of yourself, I'll look after your family while you're gone," Nodoka said.
Ukyo hugged her, then said "Akane, I am going to miss you, take care of yourself, and don't forget to write us."
"Thanks, you too, I'll miss you both, and I promise to let you know how things are going. Promise me you'll take care of Ranma too," Akane said as she hugged them.
Ukyo just nodded, trying not to cry as one of her best friends was leaving.
Akane walked over to Ranma. He looked at her for a second, and then handed her a small box, and a letter. "I'm going to miss you, tomboy," he said with a smile, "Open these up when you get on the plane, don't forget to write or at least e-mail."
Suddenly, Akane started crying. Then she said, "Ranma, I'm not sure I want to do this, I didn't realize how much I was going to miss everybody, especially you."
"Akane, you've got to be kidding. This is all you've been talking about since you got the scholarship. The University has got a great reputation as a school for foreign students, so you should be able to make some friends there. Besides, its not forever, it's just until you graduate," he said. Akane pulled him behind a pillar so they were hidden from view.
"Thanks, Ranma," she replied as she hugged him. Then looking around to make sure no one was watching, she kissed him. "Don't you dare forget me, " she whispered, "I guess its time for me to go, but I'll e-mail you as soon as I get an account."
They stared at each other, looking deep into each other's eyes. Then Akane turned and went through security. Ranma stared after her until she passed out of sight.
A long day later, Akane's plane landed at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Fortunately, it didn't take long for her to go through Customs, so she was able to get to the taxi stand quickly. She took a cab to the apartment complex in Arlington that she had rented a place in. She got to the office, just before it closed, and got the keys to her new home. It turned out to be a nice, furnished, one bedroom apartment, on the second floor, overlooking one of the swimming pools. It was reasonably close to the University campus, and on a quiet cul-de-sac. She put her sheets and blankets on the bed and went to sleep.
Ranma was walking around the campus of Tokyo University, trying to find his classroom. It was his first day and the map he had left a lot to be desired. He turned the corner around one of the buildings when he literally ran into Nabiki. "Ranma, what are you doing here?" she asked. Kasumi smiled at Ranma.
"Uh, going to business school, I got accepted this semester," Ranma replied, "I thought Mom told your Dad that I had gotten in. Kasumi, are you going to get your nursing degree finally?"
Kasumi nodded. "Now that all of my girls have grown up, I can start living again," she said with a smile. Nabiki looked surprised, then realized that Kasumi was kidding her.
Ranma said, "Speaking of girls, it looks like Akane is settling in well, at least according to the letters. Oops, look at the time, I've got to get to class, see you around campus. It's great to see you two again." He waved, and then entered the building.