Chapter Drei
Fortune's Wheel turns
In ways one can't control
One cannot blame if you lose
Your queen to her
At the table we sit
We lay the cards
And call the bets
Living involves risks
But is it necessary
To place the fate of mine
In your game
Where I am to dance to your fancy?
To forgive and forget.
Many times we say that we had forgiven others for the wrong they done to us but by the fact that we remember means the hurt is still there. The resentment, disappointment and frustration, we can still remember the day so crystal that it feels just like yesterday the knife was embedded in our backs. The wounds are not to the flesh but to the heart.
We return to the story where our protagonist is about to go for her interview. Today was the confrontation of past and present. Of a past regret and present resentment for the purpose of defining a future that is to come.
A slick black BMW cruised along the highway as it made itself to the Oriental. Hinata was quiet for most the ride now as she anticipated the meeting with Uchiha family. To be more honest, her heart was uneasy to meet her own flesh and blood.
It has been some time now.
She wonders at what to expect.
"Just be yourself and everything's going to be fine." Shikamaru said after blowing out yet another whiff of the offending smoke out the window.
"Arigato. I hope that everything will be fine too."
"Asuma-sensei called earlier. He has cleared everything you've ask him to do."
"That's good."
"And oh, the two at the top called as well."
"Oh, what did they want?"
"The big bosses wished you good luck. They figured that you're going to need it."
She laughed. Her bosses, Tsunade and Jiraiya are more of friends rather than real bosses. Both were in their fifties andtheir name are synonymous in the business world. The girls had approached them a few years ago to help them set up the company knowing their experience and skills would be beneficial. Surprising they had actually agreed with the proposal presented and they have been the front-runners that built the company to where it stands now. The director posts were created to ease some of the responsibility to the girls as they were still running separate business of their own as well.
Interesting other bits about them is the fact that Tsunade has managed to preserve her youthful looks while Jiraiya has allowed himself to age into the perverted old man he is. How she does it is rather a mystery to all.
Nonetheless, they were good people and Hinata was very thankful to them always. The company would have never succeeded without their help.
They pulled up at the front of the entrance to the hotel and the keys were tossed for valet again. Shikamaru straightened his suit once again before walking her into the lobby.
There, they were greeted by a staff who led them to the west wing.
Footsteps and chatter echoed down the doors that led deeper into the hotel.
Scores of the female gender gathered at the different points with their families. Some were waiting eagerly for their turn and some were discussing their prospects from the meetings.
Her friends had already had their turn earlier in the morning but had since gone back to the office for work. They were apparently not allowed to disclose details of their meetings with others but maybe, after hers they could talk.
They now stood in front of the assigned tatami tea room.
Hinata took a deep breath and Shikamaru touched her shoulder to assure her once again. She nodded before the staff called out the figures inside.
"Shitsurei shimasu." (Excuse my interrupting.)
And the door slides open.
Hinata and Shikamaru were announced in and found themselves facing the Hyuuga family. The tea room was set with two tables – one long one where the hosts were seated and another that was some feet away. They were surprised to find only the Hyuuga people present.
They bowed and Hinata greeted old faces.
"Otou-san."
The old man merely offered a curt nod.
"Hanabi."
She nodded in acknowledgement.
"Neji nii-san."
He smiled at least and greeted her back. He, after all, held no grudges against her.
The men of the Hyuuga family adorned long locks and traditional dressing. Hanabi, her younger sister was too dressed in kimono that embellished the monotonous yin-yang colors that the Hyuugas were known for.
It was all ceremonious and cold.
It did not come close enough for one to describe the situation as a family reunion.
She then seated her self with Shikamaru at the other table while a servant pours them tea.
"We wanted to meet you first before the Uchiha family arrived." The older gentleman spoke finally.
"Hai."
"I believe this is yours. Wear it."
Hinata watched as Hanabi pushed out a small lacquered box on the table. A servant then brought it over to Hinata's table.
The rift between them mirrors the space that separates their tables.
Hinata thanked the servant and lifted the lit.
Amidst the silk cushioning sat a ring that was of gold material with a moonstone that nestles at the top. The semi-precious stone resembled the trademark eyes shared by all Hyuuga members, the endless pools of pale grey eyes that seem to see everything. Circling was a design of a pair of koi fish – one light one dark molded in platinum, the yin-yang symbol of balance that is part of the philosophy believed and practiced by the Hyuuga household for years.
All members wore that same ring. And once upon time, she wore this ring too.
To their surprise, she shuts the lit and pushes it back to the servant.
"Gomenasai, it is no longer mine to wear."
The old eyes became crossed at the rebellious act.
"You are denying the forgiveness I am so generously bestowing on you!"
His blood was boiling to the extent that the veins appeared at the sides of his temples.
"I believe that my status was made clear some three year ago. I do not think that it has changed."
"You!"
Hanabi and Neji held him down and tried to calm him down. Hinata bit her bottom lip. If he was any closer, she would have been slapped by now. She was going against Confucius' teaching to show respect to the head of the family. Shikamaru sat quietly amidst the tension and watched for any suddenly actions that might be taken against her.
Hinata felt guilty for the way she was acting but to how much truth are they still family?
FLASHBACK
It was some three years ago that everything changed. Hinata was eighteen and was about to receive yet another slap to the face for failing to understand the management policies of how the Hyuuga Corporations were being ran. The truth is that there was not a lack of understanding but rather a silent disagreement with the policies that were upheld by traditions.
"Why don't you get it? It's has been six months and you still don't understand the clauses?"
She flinched and braced herself.
He instead dropped his clenched fist and called for Hanabi.
A thirteen year old girl with the same dark locks came running at her father's command. She stood proudly waiting for his next command.
"Hanabi is able to memorize the clauses in half the time you take. It can't be that difficult! Why is it that you cannot even match up to your own younger sister?"
She winced.
"One more chance. What is the clause 24a?"
She shut her eyes and took a deep breath.
"New employees that come into the service of Hyuuga Corporations are entitled to no pay rise or bonuses for the next subsequent three years."
Hyuuga Hiashi relaxed a little.
"That wasn't difficult now was it?"
"But it does not comply with the workers union agreement that we signed." Hinata uttered softly.
"Did you say something?"
Why did you have to open your mouth? She asked herself.
"I repeat. Did you say something?"
"No. Otou-san."
There came the slap that she didn't manage to prepare her for. The impact sent her down to the tatami covered floor.
Hinata touched upon the swelling cheek.
"How dare you talk back to me!"
"Who cares about the union? We are businessmen here. We do what it takes to maximize efficiency and profits. The union has no say in our affairs."
"Hai, Otou-san."
"That's it. That is the last straw. Hanabi, call all the members for a council meeting. Now!"
And the younger girl shuffled out of the place. Within the hour, all members of the Hyuuga clan council had gathered, including the branch members headed by Neji.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the abrupt meeting but it was necessary that the matter be settled today."
His two daughters flanked his side. One was upholding a confidant character while the other had a downcast look that did not dare to meet the eyes of any of the members.
Neji noted the slightly swollen right cheek that she was trying to hide from everyone's view.
He hit you again?
The young man grew angry and protective. He disliked the old corporal way of punishment. Especially a slap, it was humiliates more than it instills fear.
"All honorable members of the council, I, Hyuuga Hiashi, Head of this clan hereby formally move the notion to have my second daughter, Hanabi replace Hinata as heir to the clan. Who will second the notion?"
The room broke out in shocked discussion.
What?
Neji was really pissed and was about to oppose the notion when other members raised theirs.
"We, as elders of the council will second the notion."
This was to the biggest stab anyone could take to Hinata. Tears threatened to spill over those eyes of her as she watched her purpose in the clan being removed by her father.
"As heir, Hinata-sama is entitled a say in this matter. Why is she not asked to speak?" Neiji defiantly spoke out.
The older Hiashi merely glared but smiled confidently.
"Of course. Hinata? Do you have anything to say about this?"
Neji's heart broke as he saw her bravely composed herself and wiped away the tears. She took a breath and spoke in a calm manner.
"My most sincere congratulations to Hanabi, for she will make a better leader for the Hyuuga clan than I can."
What!
The head merely smiled. He knew that she would not speak up against him. The new heir stood more proud than before. Neiji was about to speak when he saw what happened next.
Hinata quietly stood up and walked in front to face all council members including her father and sister. They watched intently as this was the first time the young Hyuuga girl ever show any form of active participation in a meeting. She bowed deeply and removed her ring from the fourth finger of her right hand. Hiashi suddenly stopped smiling.
"What are you doing Hinata?"
She placed the ring on the floor in front of her and bowed once again.
"Gomenasai."
And she turned to walk out of the room.
"What is the meaning of this?"
She continued to walk.
"Come back here!"
His voice rose to threatening levels.
"Hyuuga Hinata, you will come back here this instance!"
He was growing mad and was being restrained by some of the other members.
"Hyuuga Hinata, if you continue to walk out those doors, you are my daughter no more!"
She stopped. The room froze in strained atmosphere that can suffocate the average man. Everyone was watching to see what would happen next.
She turned to face him once again.
"Gomenasai, Otou-san. I cannot be the daughter you wanted me to be."
And the Hyuuga family was left with but the image of an eighteen year old who finally found the strength to walk life her way.
The bird had finally extended her wings and took flight for the first time.
END OF FLASHBACK
Three years on, nothing's changed.
Hyuuga Hiashi was about to tell Hinata off again when the staff informed them of the Uchiha family's arrival. The door parted to allow the elegant members of the prestige family walk through. The head of Uchiha flanked by her sons, Itachi and Sasuke painted a different picture from the other family. They were dressed in tailor-cut suits of modern design.
It was a stark contrast of classic traditions and modern elegance.
They seated at the same long table where the Hyuuga were. Of which, by this time, the box was kept and all the family's dirty laundry were stowed away and covered up perfectly.
Hinata stood up to greet them. The elder waved off the formality.
"No formalities needed Hinata. We are after all family and not strangers, especially since I've practically watched you grow up. And you've become a fine woman indeed."
She smiled and thanked him.
"I've read your file that was composed by my advisers. Hiashi-dono has done the right thing when he decided to have you sent away. You've learnt independence and it shows! You're no longer the shy one I remembered from before."
She blushed slightly and stole a glance at her father.
Otou-san, you covered everything up very well. You managed to turn my absence to your advantage.
"Though I was sad to hear that you stepped down as heir, I believe the decision to strike out on your own has proven to bear much fruitful tidings. I extend my warmest congratulations to you, Hinata, for making your way up to the post of director at Konoha Corps."
And so, I 'stepped' down from being heir to 'strike' out on my own?
"I must pay Tsunade-sama and Jiraiya-sama a visit one day. Anyway, let's get straight to business. Hinata, I understand that you are not romantically linked to anyone at the moment, am I right?"
"Hai, I am not."
Hinata, there isn't a need to be so honest, Shikamaru thought.
"Excellent. And what are your views of the impending marriage of Itachi?"
Hinata looked the one in question. Itachi was dressed still in yet another dark blue suit, looking as striking as he was yesterday. He held her gaze. A lazy smile crept over a corner of his mouth while a blush came onto her face. She broke the eye contact and answered the older gentleman.
"He is a distinguished and well-accomplished gentleman in his own right. It is only natural that someone such as yourself be concerned with finding only the best lady for him. He deserves nothing less."
"Wonderful."
Hinata, don't play into their game, Shikamaru thought as he watched the elder Uchiha get buttered up by Hinata's sweet courtesy.
"And as with other ladies that we interviewed, what makes you a good candidate to be my son's wife?"
"First of all, I thank you for counting me worthy to be Itachi-san's prospective wife. It is indeed an honor beyond proportions. However, I may not be able to be a strong candidate given my medical condition."
"Nani? What are you talking about?" Hiashi spoke out finally after some silence.
Hanabi suddenly grew rigid in composure.
"I met with an accident some years ago that has lasting consequences on my health. I'm afraid it affects my ability to have any children."
"Since when? Why did I not hear of it?" Hiashi grew impatient.
Hanabi was growing unusually uncomfortable. She continued to look at the sister whom she has not seen for a while.
"Gomenasai for keeping it from you. It happened when I was fifteen when I lied about the week-long leadership camp held during the summer vacation. The truth was I spent that one week in hospital recovering from the accident."
"Why were there no records?" He demanded.
"Because I hold the only record there is."
Shikamaru then produced from the document bag, a single ordinary manila envelope that contained the hospital record. He passed it to a servant who had I passed to the Uchiha head.
"Sasuke, go through this."
And the young man flipped opens the cover to scan through its contents while the Hyuuga head looks on.
Neji merely took a sip of his tea, for he remembered the pains she endured to keep it under wraps from the rest of the household. That is, the weeks after hospitalization it took before she fully recovered from the injuries.
He still remembered the accidental discovery when he stumbled upon her trying to discard used bandages and gauzes. It was early in the morning and suspicion had him follow her. He was horrified when he finally got the story out of her.
His heart ached when he finally got to see the evidence. The cuts that dug deep and the bruises that had yet to fade.
He also discovered that very day why his heart beats an erratic song in her presence.
His silent love was for her quiet strength.
He aided in her recovery, covering her trails and disposing all incriminating evidence. Hanabi, guilt-ridden and bright, uttered no word about it.
Her time spent healing were also his most treasured memories of shared moments between them.
But it had its share of reality.
There were times when she barely made it through the long hours of her father's training. The strains manifested in the longer time the wounds took to recover.
For him, the pain lay in the awareness that as close in proximity they were, she was beyond his touch. Beyond his.
All he could offer was the loving support through the times when it got bad and shielded her from her father's wrath.
Even now in the present time, all he could do was just watch.
The Uchiha head was disappointed when the report was confirmed. The Hyuuga head on the other hand was angered beyond words, but a slip in weakness surfaced, but only after Hinata bowed apologetically, stood up and left with her personal assistant.
The elder man who was clutching his chest with heavy breathing waved off the assistance offered from the Uchiha doctor, pride refuses to allow him to acknowledge his weak heart.
It was fading into late evening. Jazz plays in the background of a quaint little French place in a more secluded area of Tokyo. It had a relaxed atmosphere of cream walls and autumn hues that was a retreat for the very few who keep it secret.
The owner, Rock Lee was a pleasant fellow of tall compact built who favored the color green inspired from his Gai sensei whom he looks upon in admiration. He gave up the chase of the corporate world and instead chose to run a place to which he had hoped to attract some female companionship. Well, he did technically, save for the fact his patrons are mostly attractive married women.
The cafe's trademark dish was the Lotus Leaf – a delectable creation of his chief that included the most sinful dark chocolate soufflé that was presented in the centre of a real lotus flower atop a circular chocolate leaf.
It is one dessert that can destroy any diet.
But life's short, no point denying oneself of some luxury. And that's why Lee has a special place in those women's hearts.
"Hinata-chan." He greeted the girl in the corner as the candles were lit and water was refilled.
"Lee-kun, how have you been?"
"It's been good. Though the business is doing much better than my love life."
"Lee-kun. Don't worry, I believe that special person will appear one day."
"Yes! As Gai sensei said, perseverance and hard work will always pay off!"
She smiled and asked for more tea. Immediately with gusto, he puffed out his chest and a toothpaste ad smile complete with sparkle was flashed before he proceeded to get her more tea.
Hinata settled back into her chair and peered at the wet weather outside.
The storm of the afternoon has passed and it only proved to only show that past scars never healed. They were still very much raw and bleeding.
And of course, they still hurt.
Suddenly at the entrance of the quaint place came a figure. Lee guided the way in and seated the new customer. She asked for some cappuccino.
"Evening Hanabi."
The other Hyuuga girl paused to thank Lee for the coffee before greeting her sister.
"How is Otou-san?"
"He's all right. Slightly agitated but otherwise he is all right."
"Thank goodness." Hinata breathed out a sign of relief.
"You still care for this family even though you sworn off the relations."
She sighed and brushed off the subject by bringing forth why Hanabi was invited her in the first place. "I wanted to personally thank you for informing me about Otou-san's plans to have me married to the Uchiha heir to seal the relationship between the families and in the process, bring Konoha Corps under their influence as well."
"Only because of the debt I owe you. The 'accident' was after all a kidnapping attempt gone wrong. You shielded me from the knife attack that the guy tried to pull on me when their plans backfired. You got hurt and spent weeks recovering from it because of me." The younger girl looked into coffee cup and stirred aimlessly, heart heavy with guilt.
"I'm glad that you still think of me as family."
The younger looked up while the other smiled.
"I've never felt that you owed me anything. If it's anything, I should be thanking you for giving the chance to fly free. Money earned from the law suit against the other clan for the kidnap attempt and medical compensation ensured that I survived well in Osaka. I mean I even had enough for some investments."
"Demo…. Your chance to have any family is now ruined because of me."
"The doctor only warned of future complications should pregnancy occur, not indefinite barren spinsterhood, my dear girl."
The girl looked at her in earnest.
"I'm not kidding. Really. Just that I had the report exaggerated for the Uchiha head."
The girl took a deep breath. "But you do know that it's not going to stop them from making it happen right? I mean this is modern live sciences era – IV fertility treatment and the use of surrogate mothers are rather common."
"But it would deter them and also let them know that I'm aware of what game they're playing."
Hanabi looked back at the same eyes as hers.
"Do you really not resent the fact that I replaced you as heir?"
The older pair of eyes smiled.
"Perhaps I was hurt initially but honestly, not anymore. You earned this title through your hard work and from what I can see, you are the better person to head the Hyuuga Corps. It is for the best for our family. I truly trust that after you graduate from Todai (Tokyo University), you will succeed to be a great leader in your own right."
The younger one teared.
Contrast against the cool weather outside, it was only getting warmer inside the café.
"Take care of Otou-san for me, all right?"
"Hai. I will, Onee-chan."
Author's note:
Hi everyone! Whew! This is a rather long chapter, so what do you guys think? I know this might go out as being a bit impersonal but hope that all of you won't mind it I just speak out here as a collective whole. Firstly, Thanks so much for all your reviews and suggestions! It is definitely helping to formulate the plot better! So thanks! As for who Hinata will end up with….. well, we'll just have to wait and see ;)
Secondly, Nein! I'm not german but I did do a basic course in my first year. German's like the fourth language but haven't had time to really practice but yeah, the chapters were labeled in deutsch to make things a little different.
And please don't bite me for victimizing poor Hinata. I really didn't mean it! It just happened! Erm… blame the muse! sweatdrops
Anyway, I be off now. And oh, thanks to Xoni newcomer for pointing out the grammar mistakes! Well appreciated.
Thanks again to:
Xoni Newcomer
Inocus
Kaori no Tenshi
Slashofdragonblade
Saturnova
Cookie6
Rune-Rune
Cheers!
Arte