Author's Note: Well here's chapter twenty-two and thanks for waiting patiently and I had just done three drafts for this story so it really kept me waiting and also I was planning to end this before February so pray that I wont have a very busy schedule because if I have then I wont be able to finish it. This Chapter is for all the readers of this story and to my big sister who'll be proof reading this story if she got time and I don't like to pressure her so if she's not busy then she'll proof read this.
RECAP:
Shuuichi went up to the room he and Botan had shared and even though she was no longer here, he can feel her presence, her favorite perfume can be smelled, the fragrant of her shampoo can be smelled in the bathroom and of course the memory of her still lingered in the room o rather in the whole house making him miss her presence even more.
Chapter Twenty-Two: Memories
Botan decided not to go to Keiko's house because she can see that she is not in a good state to go to places instead she decided to call Keiko and tell her the job and of course accepting it.
PHONE RINGING
"Hello, Keiko speaking." Keiko said as she answered the phone
"Keiko, its me Botan."
"Hey! How are you?" Keiko asked curiously since it's been a while since she had heard from Botan
"I'm fine." Botan said, 'Well I think I' am.' Botan thought as she think of how much she misses Shuuichi and come to think of it she was only gone for less than 6 hours but it feels like years. "I just called to tell you that I got the job that I had applied in the States." Botan added making her voice sounded happy
"Congratulation Botan!" Keiko said happily eventually she had fall for it but why do Botan care its what she really wanted people around her to think, that she's happy but the problem is why can't she fool herself?
"Thanks Keiko, anyway can you gather the gang in Koenma's house? I wanted to tell them the good news." Botan said fooling Keiko again with her happy voice but not herself
"Sure, I'll do that right away. How about tomorrow is it a good time for you?" Keiko asked in excitement
"Yes, it would be fine and Keiko don't even think about it." Botan added before saying goodbye and putting the receiver back down
END OF PHONE CALL
Keiko look at her phone before putting it back to the receiver. She can't help but smile because Botan really know when she's up to something but she won't listen to her this time because whatever happen she had already set her mind about it and is now ready to do it with the help of the others. Keiko got her cellphone out and started to call all their friends with something up her sleeves.
Botan was looking at her reflection on the mirror and as she close her eyes she could still feel Shuuichi's lips on her and his touch as she explore every part of her. Botan suddenly opened her eyes and sigh
'This is just stupid.' Botan thought as she walks toward her window and could see the rain falling from the sky to wash the earth from its pain and loneliness and to bring hope and joy.
Shuuichi is now back in his old room, he can't help it but to feel empty. He needs to rest, he know that because he got to go to work tomorrow but its hard. He can't forget Botan, every part of the house reminds him of her, if he smell a flower he remembered her shampoo, a lemon, he remembered her favorite soap she wash her body with and if he ate or saw pastas he know he would remember for she cook the best pasta just like his mom did. And now his here in his old room, the only place Botan hadn't had a chance to be in and he thought he was safe in the four walls of his room but he was wrong because at the site of his bed, he couldremember the feel of her lips, her touch, the feel of her skin against his and his lips and most of all the sigh she do and the way she uttered his name at the height of their passion.
'Damn it Shuuichi, she doesn't love you.' Shuuichi scolded himself from his thought 'And what am I feeling when I was undressing her?' he thought again miserably as he look outside his window to see the rain falling from the sky to wash the earth from its pain and loneliness and to bring hope and joy.
(A/N: Starting on this part both are looking outside their windows and they we're thinking as flashback came popping from their minds its like in some Romantic movie when they are far away and they would remember the fun times they have and how they met with a background song. Sorry I'm bad in explaining but I hope you guys got my idea.)
FLASHBACK
I was lost and alone
Trying to grow, making my way down that long winding road
Shuuichi was walking toward the park to have some fresh air and hell broke out when she heard someone screaming for help, as her bag was snatch away from her. Shuuichi did what he can do and run after the thief.
"Hey you stop!" Shuuichi ordered who still run after the guy
The guy didn't stop and when he saw that he can't out run him, he grab the nearest person to him which is Botan. And he pointed a knife in front of her throat.
"Leave the girl alone." Shuuichi said while thinking of a way
"No I…I won't!" the thief said and without even thinking Shuuichi grab the hand of the thief where the knife is then started punching it till the thief lie flat on the floor then the police arrive
And Shuuichi just found himself taking the girl to the hospital.
Had no reason, no rhyme
Like a song out of time
And there you were, standing in front of my eyes
Shuuichi was leaving the temple when he remembered his cellphone…
"I can't believe this I forgot my cell phone." Shuuichi said. As he hurry up to the shrine he pass a very familiar girl that made him stop and say the first name come across his mind "BOTAN!"
The girl look up and he know that he really had found her. And he know that he thought the pouch is fake but it work and he believe it now.
How could I be such a fool
To let go of love and break all the rules
Shuuichi carried Botan to the bed, he knew it was wrong because they aren't married but he wanted her so badly and he knew she feel the same so she carried him to the bed and kiss her, caress every part of her and he started to undress her thinking how much she wanted her so badly and then it happened, they've made love with each other. Twice…
The way Botan sigh and return his kisses like if she was in love with him…
Girl when you walked out that door
left a hole in my heart
And now I know for sure
Botan woke up that morning to find Shuuichi's arms are wrap around her as she nestled in his chest. She remembered very clearly what happened to them last night. She had given everything to him last night, her heart, body soul and virginity. She got out of the bed carefully picking up and wearing the nearest shirt she could find.
Botan went to the bathroom to take a long hot bath before she get ready to leave Shuuichi forever.
Botan wrote a goodbye letter for Shuuichi and she knows that leaving him was the hardest part but what a girl can do when everything seems perfect but its not.
You're the air that I breathe
Girl you're all that I need
Shuuichi and Botan Went to their first date by getting to know each other, where Shuuichi ask for help and Botan agreed to help him.
And I wanna thank you, lady
You're the words that I read
Shuuichi arrive home and went to Botan's Room…
"Botan are you in there?" Shuuichi said knocking on the door "Botan?" Shuuichi said again still knocking on the door
"BOO!" Botan shouted behind Shuuichi who jump out of fright "Did I scare you?" Botan ask teasingly
"Yeah! You did one hell of a job." Shuuichi said looking at her 'Why should you be this cute?' Shuuichi thought
You're the light that I see
And your love is all that I need
Botan was making Pasta for the both of them. Shuuichi told him how much a pasta lover he is and that his favorite pasta is the one his mom usually make. He had told Botan about his parents and everything for he feel very comfortable around her.
I was searching in vain
Playing a game
Had no-one else but myself left to blame
Shuuichi is going to asked Botan to pretend to be his wife so he went to the hospital to look for her…
"Damn it! She's gone!" Shuuichi said looking at the empty bed 'Where can she be?' he thought and was shock to know that he wanted to see the girl again 'I better go to the counter to ask the nurse.' He thought again and left
Shuuichi went to the nurse that check the check outing and coming patient…
"Excuse me but where is the patient of room 307?" Shuuichi ask the counter nurse
"Please wait sir." The nurse said as she looks in the computer
"Uhm! Can you please hurry? Because I really need to talk to her."
"She already checks out a couple of minutes ago."
"I see, thank you."
You came into my world
No diamonds or pearls
Could ever replace what you gave to me girl
Shuuichi brought Botan to shop and they bought clothes, shoes and Jewelry for her. The way she smiled at him while she fit the clothes she tried on. The way she hesitantly accepted the rings because she think it won't fit someone like her.
Just like a castle of sand
Girl, I almost let love slip right out of my hands
And just like a flower needs rain
I will stand by your side through the joy and the pain
Shuuichi remembered the conversation he had with Mr. Johnson when he returned without Botan…
"Shuuichi, your home, but where's Botan?" Mr. Johnson asked as he looks at him and looks around for a sign of Botan but none came
"She's not with me." Shuuichi said with no emotion kind a like the living dead (A/N: You know what I mean like his alive but his dead at the same time for he had no emotion left. Sorry if you don't get it I just can't explain it even more.)
"What do you mean she's not with you? You left with her yesterday and neither one of you had returned." Mr. Johnson said confuse
"She was with me yesterday but a while ago when I woke up, I didn't find her anywhere."
"She left you alone, why?" Mr. Johnson asked, "Is it because sahe knows that I already know the truth?"
"No, he left me a letter saying she was leaving for the contract was ending for you'll be leaving for America in about two or three days time." Shuuichi said feeling real miserably "She also told me not to look for her." Shuuichi added as some of the weight had been lifted from his chest
"Do you want to talk about it?" Mr. Johnson asked even thought he knew that the both of them loves each other he still didn't said anything to them thinking that the both of them will eventually find out from their self but now he was thinking 'Did he done the right thing, by remaining silent for all this times?'
"Not Really." Shuuichi answered, "I just want to be alone for a while."
"I understand but can you answer my question?" Mr. Johnson asked looking at Shuuichi who nod. "Are you going to try and find her?"
"She doesn't want me to find her." Shuuichi simply answered
"And you believe that." Mr. Johnson said not ask but before Shuuichi could figure out if it was a question or a statement Mr. Johnson had disappeared to his room leaving him deep in thoughts.
You're all that I need, girl
You're the air that I breathe, yeah
Shuuichi went home when he saw a flower shop so instead he stops and entered the shop to buy flowers for Botan….
"Good evening sir how may I help you?" said a woman approaching him
"I would like to buy some flower." Shuuichi said looking around the store 'The store smells good and look beautiful.' He thought as he still looks around
"Are you buying for your girlfriend?" The woman said looking at Shuuichi
"Nope I'm buying for my wife." Shuuichi said correcting the woman who just smiled
"I see well would you like the red roses?" The woman said showing him the beautiful blooming red roses
"I must say red roses is just fine but my wife deserves the best so I say expensive and exotic flower will suit her best." Shuuichi said smiling
"I must say you really love your wife." The woman said as she ask Shuuichi to follow her
"Yes I really love my wife." Shuuichi said smiling also 'If only she knew.' He thought
"Well how about this one?" The woman asked showing Shuuichi a blue rose
"Perfect just perfect." Shuuichi said looking at the flower
The flower shop owner went to the counter and arranges the flower making it more attractive then gave it to Shuuichi who paid for it.
'I hope she'll like it.' Shuuichi thought as he drive home
Shuuichi arrive in his house exactly at dinnertime and he found Botan and Mr. Johnson Sitting while eating and talking at the same time. Shuuichi called Botan and Honey and he even kiss her here. Their very first kiss.
And I want to thank you
(and I want to thank you, lady)
Shuuichi was driving home when he saw a shop that sold stuff animals that made him decided to stop and look around to buy Botan one. Shuuichi is now courting her for real…
"Good evening sir! How may I help you?" Said the sales lady with a very big smile
"I was wondering, how much is that bear. Over there by the chair?" Shuuichi said pointing at a very big white bear.
"Oh! That one. It cost 3,500 yen." The sales lady said still with a smile
"I'll take it." Shuuichi announce making the sales lady smile even bigger
The sales lady went to get the bear while Shuuichi waits in the counter. The sales lady returned with the bear in her hand. She was punching the price tag when Shuuichi saw different type of cards in the counter top.
"It's free so you need to choose one." The sales lady said with a smile while putting the bear in a very big paper bag.
Shuuichi smiled and started to choose but he didn't know what to choose because everything is beautiful. The sales lady was looking at him when she finally said, "Can I help you with choosing?"
"Yeah! Sure." Shuuichi said looking at the sales lady then to the cards
"Well to whom are you giving the bear?"
"What?" Shuuichi asked shock
"Well I need to know if you're giving it to your girlfriend or something." The sales lady said looking at him
"Oh! Uhm… I'm giving it t-to a gi-girl that I will co-court." Shuuichi said blushing a bit 'Damn! Why did I blushed and stuttered.' Shuuichi thought
"Oh! Well if you're courting a girl this is perfect." The sales lady said handing Shuuichi a card that she picked.
Shuuichi who was very curious why the sales lady picked the card he decided to open it and to read what written inside but to his amaze there is nothing written in it. He look at the sales lady and as if the sales lady had read his thought she smiled and said, "There is nothing written to it because you're the one who have to write something on it."
"But why me?" Shuuichi said really curious 'I'm sounding very curious but hey I have I right, I mean, this my first time to court a girl because most of the girls are the one who's courting me.' He thought
"Well it's best that the dedication in the card came from you and not from others at least you can tell her how much you love her and she will know that because you wrote it by yourself making you very sincere." The sales lady explained
"I see well thank you." Shuuichi said as he paid the sales lady "Keep the change and thanks for the tips." He added getting the paper bag and the card
"Your welcome!" Shuuichi heard the sales lady said before he left
You're the words that I read, girl
You're love is all I need, yeah
Shuuichi was sitting inside his car. It was park outside his mansion but he had no intention to go in, in fact he was inside his car for almost 30 minutes holding a pen and looking at the card. Mind you the card is still empty.
"Uh!!! What will I write." Shuuichi blurted out very frustrated
"Damn it was just a stupid card that I need to write but I can't figure something out!" he said again a loud
'Relax Shuuichi and think.' His thought said but instead of making Shuuichi relax it only made him frustrated even more
'Relax and think? Don't you know I've been relaxing and thinking for almost 30 minutes already?' he told his thought
'I can believe you love her that much that you can't say it in words.' His thought said sarcastically
"That's it!" Shuuichi said a smile forming in his face "That's it I can't believe it you're one hell of a thought." Shuuichi said to his thought
And without warning, Shuuichi started to scribble something on the card very fast and with in minutes he had finish what he was writing. Shuuichi put the pen away and was looking at the card to read what it said.
And I want to thank you
(and I want to thank you, lady)
Botan went up the stairs and pulled open the door leading to their room. She went towards the cabinet to take some cloths for her to get ready for bed when her eyes was caught by a very big bear that was sitting in the bed and was holding a letter in a white envelope. Botan who was very curios went toward the bear and sat beside it getting the letter from the bear. She inspected the letter to know for whom the bear was when she saw her name on it and with full of excitement she read the letter:
Dear Botan,
There are things that I've been feeling lately. Whether you believe it or not I feel something for you and as time pass by it started to grow until I finally realized that I've already fallen hard for you and that ever since the day I met you I already fallen in love with you it just took sometime for me to realized. Sorry for this letter I know it din't make sense but what will you expect this is the first time I ever write a love letter (if you will call it) to a girl like you. But the main point is I Love You More Than Words itself and that I can't explain it through words. I hope you feel the same.
Love,
Shuuichi
You're all that I need, girl
You're the air that I breathe, yeah
And I want to thank you…
Shuuichi brought Botan to the Butterfly Garden to have fun, which they did and he blindfolded her for a surprise that she will never forget, and everything went according to plan and that is to… 'Spend time together.'
END OF FLASHBACK
"Damn it, how can I be so blind, she loves me too." Shuuichi said aloud in realization
"I can't believe it took you a long time to figure out that she loves you." A voice behind him said
"Mr. Johnson?" Shuuichi said confuse
"I can't believe she had to leave before your realize how much you love her and I can't believe she left you because she thought you don't love her." Mr. Johnson said as an answer to Shuuichi's confuse look
"You knew about our feelings for each other?"
"Yes!" Mr. Johnson said simply
"How?" Shuuichi asked eager to know how he knew it before he does
Well there you have it and you guys must admit this is the longest chapter ever. This is a world record and I know my flashbacks is not in order because I'm following the song "All That I Need" Boyzone and for me "Not every happy memory should be remembered in order because it would never be a memory you would call it your past and if your remembering the happy memory you have with your love ones or someone you love, you should remember them not in order because happy memory is not just part of your life but also a part of what you feel."-One Of my Motto. I hope you guys would appreciate my motto.