Chapter 8 – Resolutions

Hitomi took out her key and unlocked the front door. She stepped inside the apartment in high spirits, humming a mellow tune. Closing the door behind her she called out, "Mom, I'm home."

"Dinner will be ready in a couple of minutes, honey. Come down when you're ready."

Hitomi went into her room, dropped her bag, changed into house clothes and then headed for the kitchen. Seeing the table all set up and her mother waiting for her, she sat down on her usual spot and helped herself with a serving of fettuccine carbonara.

Ms. Kanzaki looked at her smiling daughter. Her heart swelled with happiness. She grew curious about Hitomi's happy state. "What did you do after school today, honey?"

"Oh…Umm… I met up with Van…" Hitomi became uncomfortable of sharing anything to her mother.

"I see… You guys had a nice chat? Judging from your smile, you did."

"Yes mom. We did actually. He's a nice guy." Hitomi blushed and gave the food on her plate her full attention.

"He is. I always had the impression of him having a good nature ever since we first met him. Plus, your dad wouldn't have paired you up with him is he wasn't."

Hitomi's smile faltered. "Yeah… I guess so."

Ms. Kanzaki sensed Hitomi's sudden change of emotion. She grew worried, but she decided to le the subject go. Her daughter has not yet fully recovered and still has a long way to go. "Oh yeah, honey. Allen called. I told him that you'll return his call once you got back."

Hitomi, now, wore a frown on her face. Just great! Mom mentioned dad and now she mentioned Allen. Can't I end a day feeling happy for once? I know my past would come and haunt me. Now isn't the right time. "Okay mom. I'll call him later."

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Dinner ended. Hitomi washed the dishes and then headed to her bedroom once she finished. She lied down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. She suddenly felt disgusted with herself because once again she was inconsiderate. The guilt that Yukari put upon her came back again. What am I going to do now?

Hitomi got out of bed, picked up the phone and dialed Allen's number. I have to hear what he's got to say. With that I might somehow formulate certain decisions regarding the both of us.

The phone rang a couple of times before someone answered. "Schezar residence, Allen here."

"Hey Allen, it's Hitomi. Why did you call?"

"Oh great! You called back! Well I just want to ask if you're free tomorrow afternoon. You know, go see a movie or something."

"Umm…I actually have an Economics research assessment due next week but I think I can afford to spare a few hours. So yeah…I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"Great! I'll pick you up at 2 pm then."

"Okay. Good night Allen."

"Night, Hitomi. See you tomorrow."

Hitomi hanged up, lied back down on her bed and dozed off.

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"Hitomi are you feeling alright?" Allen looked at Hitomi with worry. She hasn't said much and he practically did all the talking.

Hitomi, who was staring into space, flinched being brought back to reality. "Oh. I'm fine. Just fine."

"You don't act like it, Hitomi."

"I'm fine really." Hitomi insisted.

"If you say so. Just tell me when you want to go home."

"Yeah sure."

Allen couldn't help but notice the growing distance between him and Hitomi. He grew more worried. "So…what now?"

Hitomi became confused with Allen question. His question has a duality in it. Either he is asking about what their next agenda that afternoon or the subject the she is dreading on. She decided to play safe and asked, "What do you mean 'what now'?"

"You know exactly what I mean." Allen spoke in a calm tone.

"Oh." Hitomi was unable to say anything else.

Allen became slightly disappointed. "You haven't thought about it haven't you? It's nice of you to make things appear as they were before, but you must admit that things will never go back to normal. I mean look at us now. You're not talking to me much because most of the time your mind is preoccupied by something else. I care about you so much and I really want this to continue. I don't know what you're intentions are or will be. I just want to tell you that I don't want to be let on. It is my desire to move on. I don't want to be held back down anymore as I try to live my life." He looked at Hitomi sincerely.

Hitomi cast her eyes down. "Then I have no choice. Things just have to break up between us. As much as I want for this to continue as well, you know that I can't."

"So you're just going to cave in to what your parents tell you to do?"

"They are my parents Allen. I love them so much. They know what is best for me so I'm going to do what they want me to do even though it will bring so much pain and sacrifices have to be made. It's all for the best." Hitomi's voice started to waver and her eyes started to water.

Allen pulled Hitomi into a tight embrace. That's the exact opposite of what Celena has done. "I'll miss you so much Hitomi."

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Several months have passed and the engagement date has been set. Van and Hitomi knew more of each other as the time progressed and have developed a deeper liking towards each other. Their parents were delighted seeing the happy couple picturing them in a good and secure future.

All seemed well and things have gone according to plan. However, Hitomi still carried an ache within her heart. She has refused to resolve issues regarding the relationship with her father. At one time, she deemed it non-existent. She told no one about it, kept it all inside and tried to forget about it.

"Hitomi get up! Jose is here to pick you up!" Ms. Kanzaki called on to her daughter whom she suspected was still sleeping. She turned to her ex-husband's driver. "I'm so sorry Jose. I think Hitomi forgot you're coming and she slept in. If you can't wait because you have other things to attend to, I'll just take Hitomi myself."

"I can wait, Ms. Kanzaki. Don't trouble yourself."

"Okay. Well then, why don't you join us for breakfast? I'll just have to literally pull Hitomi out of bed. Do you want me to pour you some coffee or something?"

"I'm fine, Ms. Kanzaki. Don't worry."

"Just help yourself with anything you want okay?" Ms. Kanzaki stormed upstairs to her daughter's bedroom. She opened the door and called out once again. "You better be awake, Hitomi! Jose is waiting downstairs!"

Hitomi still had her eyes closed and did not dare to move. She has been awake for an hour but refused to get out of bed.

Ms. Kanzaki pulled out Hitomi's blanket. "Wake up young lady."

Hitomi still didn't budge, but she finally decided to speak, eyes still closed. "I don't want to go mom. Just let me sleep in peace."

"Hitomi, you're father wants to see you."

"He actually 'wants' to see me? That's new, mom." Hitomi snorted in anger. "Please mom, don't tell a lie for him. Besides, what's the point of me being there, if he's capable of doing all the planning? I'm just in the sideline following everything he says with no complaints." Hitomi felt remorse. She has realized she can't forget about the pain caused by her father. It seems that she has reached the point where the pent-up feelings within her combusted.

"Honey…" Ms. Kanzaki sat on the edge of the bed alongside Hitomi. "It's been months. Why are you acting like this?" She grew utterly confused with her daughter's actions.

Hitomi ignored her mother's question. "Mom, does daddy love me?"

Ms. Kanzaki stroked Hitomi's hair. "Of course he does. Why wouldn't he?"

"He doesn't want to spend time with me. I'm only a waste of his time."

"That's not true. You're not a waste of his time."

"Stop lying mom. He'd rather do work than spend time with me. I heard him saying that himself months ago when I accidentally overheard your conversation with dad on the phone. You just forced him to spend time with me."

Ms. Kanzaki's heart took a leap. She knew about it! That conversation took hold months ago and she kept it all inside her for that long! She lied down next to Hitomi and embraced her from behind. She murmured softly, tears streaking down her cheeks. "Oh, Hitomi… Why did you suppress all this inside you?" She paused. "Your father loves you so much. Don't doubt that Hitomi, never think otherwise." She let go of Hitomi and gave her a kiss on the forehead. She slipped out of bed. "Hitomi, please get up. I'll go with you to your father's house."

Hitomi softly replied. "Okay, mom."

A smile emanated from Ms. Kanzaki's lips. "Hurry up. Jose is waiting."

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Hitomi and her mother entered her father's manor and were welcomed by Clarence.

Clarence bowed in respect. "Good morning Ms. Kanzaki and Miss Hitomi. How are we doing today?"

Ms. Kanzaki knew that her daughter was about to make a negative remark so she quickly replied with a smile, "Were doing fine Clarence, thank you, how about you?"

"I'm well, thank you. I'll inform Mr. Kanzaki that you have arrived. Morning tea will be served shortly in the living room and Mr. Kanzaki will meet you there."

"Thank you, Clarence." Ms. Kanzaki headed to the living room.

Hitomi followed suit. To Hitomi, her father's house doesn't feel like home to her anymore. Although its doors are always open for her, she doesn't feel welcomed or pretty much wanted. The good and warm nature of the people working at the manor seemed to be overtaken and overwhelmed by her father's dominating cold and undesirable nature. She entered the living room and settled herself beside her mother on a big couch. She looked around and saw familiar portraits of her father still a child alongside his parents, portraits of her father's ancestors and a portrait of herself couple of years younger sitting beside her father. Hitomi looked at the face of her young self. It was smiling and carefree. Hitomi couldn't help but fell a sense of regret on having the deteriorating relationship with her father. She looked into her father's face on the portrait. He bore a smile but the look in his eyes seems to portray that he's missing something. Hitomi thought, Could it be mom that he's missing? She tore away her attention from the portrait and continued to look around. She noticed that there was not a single photograph of her mother present. The only photographs of her mother within the house were found in Hitomi's room. Hitomi sighed. It couldn't be mom that dad is missing. I guess the family would never be whole again.

Plates of assorted pastries and cups of tea have been laid out by maids on the coffee table in front of Hitomi and her mother. Both said their thanks you then the maids left.

Hitomi looked at her mother and smiled. It's great that she's always at my side. It's great to have her as my mother.

Ms. Kanzaki took a sip from her tea. "Hitomi, dear, we're going to go through this together. You go tell your father what's on you mind." She placed the tea cup back on its saucer on the table. She turned to Hitomi and held both her hands. "Promise me, that'll you'll never keep everything inside you. Promise me that you'll never let yourself suffer."

Hitomi looked down and nodded her head slowly.

Ms. Kanzaki gave her daughter a heartfelt hug. "That's my girl."

Just as Ms. Kanzaki let go of Hitomi, Mr. Kanzaki entered the living room followed by Clarence. Mr. Kanzaki took a seat across Ms. Kanzaki and Hitomi.

Clarence walked towards the seated guests and his employer. "Is everything alright here sir, madam and miss? Would you like anything else?"

Mr. Kanzaki quickly replied, "Everything is fine, Clarence. You may leave." He turned to his ex-wife. "It's nice of you to visit. I wasn't expecting your arrival." His tone of voice had a hint of hostility.

Ms. Kanzaki answered in a matter-of-fact voice. "Well our daughter here didn't want to come in the first place. She only agreed to come when I offered that I'll accompany her."

Mr. Kanzaki's gaze turned to Hitomi. "Why would that be Hitomi?"

Hitomi got her eyes cast down, avoiding her father's curious glare. "Uh….Umm…." She couldn't utter a word.

Ms. Kanzaki placed an arm around Hitomi's shoulders giving her encouragement. "Come on, Hitomi…."

Hitomi remained silent. She felt the burden of her parent's gaze upon her. She struggled within herself. I don't know what to say.

Mr. Kanzaki grew impatient. He cleared his throat. "Well that's not important. Let's move on with the plans. Hitomi, the engagement will be held – "

"It is important, dad." Hitomi had cut off her father. She has regained her confidence that she rarely had. Her father putting her worries aside and only cared for this demanding plans sent Hitomi flaring up with anger. "It might not be important to you but it's very important to me. You never did care about my emotions and what I thought about you plans, did you dad? You probably told yourself that me being you daughter, I'm going to do what you tell me to do. I yearned to be a good daughter, so here I am obeying you every plan without complaints thinking that since you're my father, who I believe knows what's best for me, your plans will surely benefit me in some way. It's for good future prospects. Good future prospects for whom exactly, dad?" Hitomi was now looking straight into her father's eyes.

Mr. Kanzaki looked at his daughter in disbelief. His eyes were now filled with compassion. "This is for your future, honey. I have done this to ensure a good future for you."

"If these plans are for my good future, then why do you think of me as a waste of time? I'm confused, dad. Here you are doing all this work which is apparently for my benefit, and yet you don't spend time with me and barely give me the time of day. You have to be forced by mom to spend time with me. You are my dad but it seems you barely existed. You only call me when you need me and then you leave as you please."

Mr. Kanzaki could no longer look at Hitomi. He became overwhelmed by guilt and sorrow. He sat still in silence, his eyes cast down. Hitomi's words hit him hard. It is true. I am a terrible father.

Hitomi stared at her father's solitary figure, her anger fading away. She stood up and kneeled in front of her father. She looked up to him. "Dad, I love you so much. I'm not going to ask much. All I ask of you is to be there when I need you. I really want to feel that I do actually have a father."

Mr. Kanzaki looked at Hitomi with pleading eyes. "I love you too, Hitomi and I am deeply sorry for causing you so much pain. I promise you I'll be there." Seeing his daughter rendering him a smile, he planted a kiss on her forehead and hugged her tight.

Ms. Kanzaki became overjoyed at the sight. You've done it Hitomi.

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Hitomi woke up the next morning in high spirits. She no longer carries the burden of pains that she has always kept within her. She felt rejuvenated.

Still lying in bed, she turned to her bedside table. A silver metal frame of a photograph shined in brightness from the ray of sunlight creeping through her curtains. Hitomi picked up the glinting photograph and brought it near her face. In the photograph stood her and father and mother both embracing a young Hitomi. All had smiling faces. Hitomi reminisced the past when her family was once whole. Looking at the present time, even though it hurts to think that the family will never be whole again, she has fully accepted the circumstances.

Holding onto the photograph, Hitomi looked at her mother's face, her gentle eyes always filled with love. Looking at her young self and her mother, both had similar features. One of the exceptions was the color of their eyes. She had emerald green eyes and her mother had black. Hitomi now looked at her father in the photograph trying to catch any similar features that they share. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

She gently placed the photograph back to its place and then scampered out of bed. She hurriedly washed up and got out of her room.

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Mr. Kanzaki, already in his office so early in the morning, was doing paperwork that has piled up on him.

His secretary knocked on the door. "Mr. Kanzaki, sir, a man named Mr. Sam Johnson is on the phone wanting to talk to you about personal matters. Are you going to take the call sir?"

"Yes, thank you." Mr. Kanzaki picked up the phone. He hasn't heard from that man for a very long time. Very anxious, although not very evident, he answered, "Mr. Kanzaki speaking."

The man spoke in a firm voice. "Mr. Kanzaki, we have finally found her."

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A/N okie! Another chapter done! I resolved the issues between Allen and Hitomi and between Hitomi and her father. Hope it turned out ok. : )

Oh boy! Another twist! Woohoo! This new twist has been planned ages ago and now I'm finally going to write about it! Does anyone of you want to make a guess what it is? I gave some starting clues! I'm sure many of you will guess what it is. ; )

Hope this chapter is ok! Reviews are greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading if you did read it!

Review Replies:

f-zelda – hope this answers your question about Hitomi being convinced so easily. In my story, Hitomi is really passive, so convincing her is not really a problem. But as the story progresses I'm kinda turning her towards being more assertive. I'm not quite sure if I'm really doing that but I hope I am! Thanks for reading! Glad you liked the last chapter!

Chocolate-Covered-Coffee-Beans – glad you like the last chapter! i'm glad too that you like the sub-plot! I actually enjoyed writing that! And oh yeah… hope you did good on your biology exam! Giving you a test after 2 days is just ridiculous: P

Killua – there you go: ) hope its ok! Thanks for reading!

Inda – thanks for reading my story! Hope this chapter is ok!

Kathya – Awww… Thanks heaps: ) Really glad you like my story and Hitomi's character in my story!

Take care people! Thanks heaps! Byers!

elena-maria