Chapter 3 - Poured Out Like The Rain

Ulrich got to the Ishiyama house and politely rang the doorbell. In an instant Mrs. Ishiyama answered the door. A worried look was on her face. "Hello Ulrich. What can I do for you?"

The slightly-drenched boy replied, "Could I speak to Yumi? It's important."

"I'm sorry dear, but..." Mrs. Ishiyama faltered, "...she's not here. We don't know where she is and..." A tear slipped down her cheek. This is all my fault! Ulrich accused himself. Wait! The last time Yumi was very upset she hid at...that's it!

Ulrich didn't let her finish. "I bet I know where she is!" he exclaimed, then ran back into the rain, leaving Mrs. Ishiyama with a reply on her lips that never was voiced but to the pouring rain. He ran through the cold, wet city streets, knowing exactly where Yumi was hiding. He reached the bridge to the factory, all the time with one thing on his mind - Yumi. He gripped the rope tightly with his damp hands and slowly swung down to the floor below. Unfortunately, his grip wasn't good enough because his hands were too slick, and he slipped off of the rope and came crashing down to the ground below.

"Ulrich!" Yumi cried, running to him from her hiding place inside the motionless elevator. He struggled and strained to get up, but she calmed him, helping to support him so he could stand. She then led him over to the place where she'd been sitting, and they huddled in the corner next to each other. At first, Yumi blushed from their closeness, but Ulrich didn't seem to mind, so she figured that she shouldn't mind either. "Ulrich, are you okay?"

Ulrich winced in pain. "I am, but my arm certainly isn't. I think it's" he winced again "broken."

"Here, let me help," Yumi took off the shawl she'd had around her shoulders and used it to make a make-shift sling for him. She gingerly tied it around his arm, being careful not to put too much pressure on it and hurt him. Once her work was through, she leaned against the wall again.

"Thanks," Ulrich said, giving her a small smile. "Now...why did you come out here..."

Oh no, not that! "I just...I'm going through a confusing time right now, Ulrich. It's like an emotional roller-coaster ride, my heart's out of control - I don't know what to think anymore!" She felt tears welling up in her eyes, and she figured they must be, otherwise Ulrich wouldn't be giving her the look he was just now.

"Is it about..." he lowered his voice, "..me?"

Yumi suddenly burst into tears. Ulrich was in a state of shock and panic. What would someone do if they found them down here alone, one with a broken arm and the other crying? What would they think? Awe, heck! Ulrich thought to himself. The others don't matter right now. I don't even matter right now. The only thing that matters right now - the only person - is Yumi. I've gotta help her out! Oh, why did I have to open my big mouth? Maybe I get it from Odd, except for whenever I get in trouble for my mouth, it's for anger or serious things, he's always just cracking jokes or flirting with- Oh nevermind! I've gotta help Yumi! He put his unbroken arm around her. "Shh, Yumi, please," he cooed, trying to calm her. "Please, Yumi, I hate to see you cry.."

She suddenly hugged him tightly. "Oh, Ulrich, I'm so sorry!" she wailed.

"For what?"

"For messing up your life!"

"Wait...what? What'd you do?"

"You didn't have to come down here. The only reason you came is because of me. And because of me your arm's broken. Because of me you're sitting down here, in the cold, listening to me ramble on, and you won't get to sleep, and then people could get worried..." She would've gone on and on, but Ulrich put a finger to her lips.

"Shh, Yumi. Please. It'll be okay, I promise. We're going to get you home so that there will be no worry - nothing bad will happen, I promise."

Don't make a promise you can't keep Yumi thought bitterly. She was in emotional stress and had no idea what to think about anything anymore. Of course, she didn't voice her bitter thoughts. "Let's get you home," Ulrich said, helping the still-sobbing girl up and they found the back stairway and walked up it to the main street. On the way back to Yumi's house, many more tears were shed. Ulrich just couldn't take the sight of her crying anymore. He wiped a tear away from her cheek and said, "Yumi."

"Yes," she sniffled, "Ulrich?"

"I - care about you. I really don't like the sight of you crying. That may have sounded selfish, but when people cry, it usually means they are sad," That sounded stupid he thought to himself. "And when people are sad, the people that care about them feel sad too, because someone they care about is upset - sometimes they don't even know why so they can't help - and they try to help...and sometimes it just gets worse...I don't know where I'm going with this...but please stop crying, Yumi." He gently kissed her forehead.

She sniffled again. "Thanks, Ulrich."

He grinned. When they reached her house, he rang the doorbell. Mrs. Ishiyama answered, and when she saw Yumi she embraced her tightly, crying herself. "Now, Mom. I care about you. And when you care about someone, you don't like to see them cry." Ulrich grinned at this.

Her mom smiled as well. "I'm not sad, dear. I'm happy. Happy that you're back." She hugged her even tighter. "Thank you so much, Ulrich, for finding her."

He just grinned, said, "Good night, Mrs. Ishiyama. Good night, Yumi," and started walking back to the dorm.

"Wait!" Yumi yelled, before she knew what she was doing.

"Yes?" he turned.

She ran out to him, and kissed his cheek in the middle of the pouring rain. "Thanks again." She returned to her house, flashed him one last smile, and went inside.

She likes me! She really likes me! Or was that just a polite "thank you for helping me come to my senses" kiss? I don't care! Yumi kissed me! Ulrich practically skipped the rest of the way to his dorm, thinking of nothing but Yumi.