Steps went unheard behind her as she tossed the flowers into the water far below. The steps drew closer and they both watched it fall and hit the water. The ocean took it with a simple gesture of white wash hitting against the cliff side. The water was starting to churn and a stiff breeze blew her hair back. She blinked a few times.
"You do this often?" a voice spoke from her side, not one she expected, but she wasn't startled by it.
"Yes." She turned away from her and walked to her motorcycle.
"Wait! I mean, eh."
"What do you want, Nao?"
"I was walking for awhile, hoping to catch a ride."
"A vehicle or a man?"
"Hey! Man, you a bad mood or what?"
"Sorry." She put the helmet on and went to get on the bike.
"Look, its going to rain soon, can I… can I get a ride?"
"Fine."
Rain fell slowly as the wind picked up more, the gusts grew in strength, but were still sporadic. Nao sat upon the bike and wondered where to put her hands.
"Hold on tight." Natsuki's voice was tired, but stern. Nao put her arms around her and held on. The bike started and they sped off down the hill.
"Where to?"
"Eh… the hospital."
"Hospital?" Natsuki's voice softened with a bit of concern.
The rain hit hard as Natsuki raced against nature. She took the turns tight and sped up around a car nearly brushing against the wall. She dodged a pothole and took a sharper turn wide, the back tire sliding a bit, but she kept control. The wind was pushing her, trying to control her, but she clenched her teeth in silence and pushed onto the city streets below.
"Sorry about the rain, I didn't have a spare helmet."
"No, forget that, I'll dry. Look, those flowers, who were they for?"
They walked inside the hospital out of the rain and headed for the washroom. Nao grabbed some paper towels and wiped her face off. "Natsuki?"
"My mother, she well, wasn't a great mother but.."
"Ah, well," she fumbled with her words. "My old maid is here on a machine. Has been since I started school."
"I see." She wasn't going to ask.
"Want to come up with me?"
"I… I should be going." She turned away, but a hand took her shoulder.
"No, come, I won't tell anyone if you won't."
"Ok."
They walked out of the washroom together and headed for the desk, Nao requested a visitors card and soon they were in the elevator. Nao glanced at her a few times wondering if words should be given, but none would come out. What was there to say?
They took a seat in the room and Natsuki found herself rather uncomfortable. Nao noticed and decided to talk. "She was like this for a long time, doctors don't know what to do."
"I shouldn't be here."
"No, I'm… glad you're here."
"Nao, I never knew what it was like to have a real mother. I was too young to remember much. She… She sold me to Sears or well she tried to. I guess some mysteries are best left unknown."
"I can't not know what's wrong with her. If I knew, if they knew I'd want to know. You.. if you know, then you can do something about it. You know, I mean, something, no matter how small. Just something…"
Natsuki was silent, but a small smile crept upon her face.
"Natsuki?"
"Its ok, you're right, look, I have to find me some dinner. You going to tag along?"
"Well, no, not tonight, but maybe… some other time." She looked away.
"Heh, well I wish you the best then, take care." She held a hand out and Nao stared at it. She smiled faintly and took it. She smiled more and shook it once.
"You take care of yourself then, getting nasty out there."
"Ok." She stood up and walked out of the room. Nao watched her go and slowly turned to her mother laying there. She sighed, but felt better if just a bit.