Chapter 19
AN: Here's chapter 19! This is the beginning of the ending. Translation, the story is finally starting to reach its end. Please leave me reviews! Thank you.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket or any of its characters!
At Tohru's House…
When we entered the house, the nine people lined up in the entry way. Mr. / Mrs. Hamasaki left to prepare some food/drinks for our ten guests. Akito walked over to the first person in line. He had brown hair, with red highlights, that was spiky and he had black sunglasses on. He was wearing a striped (red and white stripes) button-down dress shirt with a pair of baggy jeans. He also had on black dress shoes.
"Miss Honda, let me introduce a few of my friends to you," Akito began and pointed to the spiky hair guy, "This is Alex Jordan from America. He is a world renounced hair stylist."
"Hello…Miss Honda, correct?" Mr. Jordan said as he removed his sunglasses to reveal beautiful hazel eyes. He held out his right hand and shook mine.
"Oh…um…yes! Hello Mr. Jordan, it's nice to meet you," I replied nervously. He smiled at me.
Akito moved on to the next person in line. It was a woman with blonde hair that had sky blue highlights. Her hair hung all the way down to her waist. She was wearing a floral dress that had a ribbon wrapped around the waist area. The dress was knee length and strapless. "This is Miss Lola Sparks, Mr. Jordan's assistant," Akito introduced.
Miss Sparks smiled and slightly bowed her head. I smiled back and bowed politely.
"Nice to meet you Miss Sparks," I said.
Akito moved onto the next person. It was another woman. She had a form fitting brown-ish golden dress on that was very fashionable. Around her neck, she had really long pearl-like necklaces on. Her hair was brown and it was spirally curled. Her curly hair hung over her shoulders, just above her chest. "This is Cheri d'Avril. She is a famous clothing designer in France. She is known for her use of bold accessories and materials," Akito explained.
Miss d'Avril examined me a bit. "You're so skinny," she said suddenly.
I blushed. "It's nice to meet you, Miss…Um…" I forgot her last name already!
"D'Avril," she reminded me, "Charmed, Miss Honda."
Akito moved onto the next two people. Beside Miss d'Avril, there was a tall man. He had black hair with some dark blue strands every here and there. He was wearing a suit with a sky blue shirt and no tie. He had a couple of piercing on his ears and he had a really long face. He was well built by the way. Beside him, there was a tall woman. She had huge sunglasses on that covered half of her face. Her hair was neatly tied into a pony tail behind her head. She had a pair of form fitting jeans and a white collar shirt under a tan color coat that went all the way down to her thighs on. She also had a pair of matching tan boots on.
"These two are Miss d'Avril's beloved assistants who also helps model her creations. Mr. Jacque Gastoux and Miss Isabella Crystelle," Akito introduced.
Mr. Gastoux came up to me, bowed, and kissed me on my right hand. "Hello Miss Honda, what a pleasure it is to meet you," he said with a French accent.
Miss Crystelle came up to me right after Mr. Gastoux did. She gave me a friendly hug, kissed either side of my cheek, and then said, "Nice to meet you Miss Honda." She also had a French accent.
"Yes, it's very nice to meet you, Mr. Gastoux and Miss Crystelle," I replied. They both smiled slightly.
I turned my attention back to Akito, who was now standing beside a big man with black and brown hair. He wears glasses with thin black frames. His hair was spiky like Mr. Jordan's but it was shorter. He had a pair of black pants with white vertical stripes, a black dress shirt with the sleeves folded up to his elbow, and shiny black dress shoes. He was very tall and fit. Then beside him, there was a skinny woman that had straight black and brown hair. She wore a pink collar shirt with a short tan skirt that ended mid thigh. She wore a pair of knee length boots that are similar to the pair that Miss Crystelle had on. She was also carrying a larger silver case. Beside her, there were two young teenage girls. They were twins. One had shoulder length brown hair with blonde highlights and it was layered. She wore a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that read "Shut up." The other twin had back length all brown hair. Half of it was neatly pinned back and out of her face. She wore a floral skirt with a white top. A long shiny white scarf like ribbon wrapped around her neck and hung down to her waist. On her feet, she had a pair of white cover toe heels on.
"Miss Honda, this is Mr. / Mrs. Tom Lincoln," Akito pointed to the man and the women beside her, "They are both cosmetologists who are known for having no particular style, just what looks best on their clients."
Both Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln shook my hand. Then Akito introduced me to the twins.
"And finally, these adorable girls are known as the Lauren sisters. This is (she pointed to the twin in jeans) Kari Lauren and this is (she pointed to the twin in the skirt) Hailey Lauren. They are the world's youngest and best make-over artists/stylists. They will be in charge of the whole thing," Akito explained.
The twins walked around me and examined me. "She has a nice figure," Kari said.
"Yes, but she's so skinny," Hailey argued.
"Yup and she has very pale skin," Kari replied.
I was scared because I still didn't know what this was all about. I looked over to Akito who was chatting with Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Gastoux, and Miss Crystelle.
"Um…Akito," I called as Miss d'Avril measured my height.
Akito turned around and came over. "Yes, Miss Honda?" she answered.
"What's going on?" I asked frightened.
"Oh! Yes, excuse me for forgetting. They are here to prepare you for the formal tonight," Akito explained.
My eyes widened, "What? But it's too much trouble. You should trouble these people just because of me," I said worriedly.
"Its no trouble, Miss Honda, I assure you," Akito replied with a smile.
"But…but--" Akito placed her index finger on my lips before I could finish.
"Calm down Miss Honda, this is my gift to you. Beside, I want my date to be the best looking girl there," Akito said.
I tried to convince her that this wasn't necessary, but she refused to listen to me. As a result, I was forced to accept her generous gift. Everyone went up to my room while Akito stayed downstairs in the living room with Mr. / Mrs. Hamasaki. Miss d'Avril along with Miss Crystelle and Mr. Gastoux designed and made a dress for me, while Kari and Hailey went through the boxes of accessories that they had brought with them. Mrs. Lincoln did my make-up while Mr. Lincoln worked with Miss d'Avril to make my body look more "perfect" as they putted it. Mr. Jordan and Miss Sparks did my hair. My body was being turned and twisted here and there while my head was being pushed and pulled back and forth. I was becoming sick. Luckily, they all finished just before I was going to vomit.
"Miss Honda, please turn around for me," Miss d'Avril asked.
I did a 360˚ turn for her and Mr. Lincoln as they examined the dress and how I looked in it.
"Perfect," they both said in unison. Mr. Gastoux and Miss Crystelle smiled at me. I smiled back.
Mrs. Lincoln stepped forward and applied something to my face. "That should hold it," she said. She examined my face thoroughly. "There you go," she finished.
"Now, the hair, Miss Honda would you kindly move you head for me," Mr. Jordan asked politely.
"Move my head?" I repeated confused.
"Like this," Miss Sparks shook her head.
I mimicked her and shook mine.
"Good, it stayed, but it's missing something…I can't quite put my hand on it. What is it? Lola?" he turned his head hoping that Miss Sparks would know.
Everyone began to think deeply. Then Miss Sparks pulled out a bottle of glitter. She sprayed it onto my hair. "There," she said.
Everyone looked at my hair in aw. "Wonderful, that's what it need," Mr. Jordan said.
"It adds a 'princess-y' feel to her, does it not?" Miss Sparks asked.
Everyone nodded and mumbled all types of things to each other. Then, they all stopped and look at me again. I was nervous.
"Its still missing something," Mr. Lincoln pointed out.
"Yes, but what Tom?" asked Miss Crystelle.
"A tiara?" Mr. Gastoux said.
"No, that would make it feel like too much," Mr. Jordan explained.
"So we need something that will look elegant and not feel like too much?" asked Mrs. Lincoln.
"Yes," Mr. Jordan answered.
"I know!" Kari said suddenly. She disappeared behind Mr. Lincoln and began to dig in her box of accessories.
She returned with a beautiful white lily-like flower that sparkled in light. Everyone admired the flower's beauty. Mr. Jordan took the flower and pinned it into my hair.
"We're done everyone, magnificent, you look magnificent Miss Honda," Mr. Jordan said.
Everyone made way for me to walk over to my full length mirror. I walked slowly and nervously. When I got there, I slowly lifted my head to examine my reflection. My hair was up, but a few spiral strands hung down from the bun loosely. To the left of the curly bun, there was that sparkly lily. Its petals curved around and hugged the bun's side. My bangs were pulled to the right side and neatly held back by a pin and hairspray. My dress was amazing! It was a tube top dress, white and puffy, like a wedding gown almost. It had bead details and glittery fabric that matched the lily on my head. Then I caught a glimpse of a face that I did not recognize. She was beautiful, so she couldn't have been me. I mean, there's no way that that was me. I gently ran the tips of my fingers down my face. It was me. I smiled and turned around.
"Thank you all so much," I said.
They all smiled. "Now, let's get you back to Mr. Akito," Miss Sparks said.
I laughed lightly at the fact that they referred to Akito as "Mister," but I don't know why I did. I just did. Luckily, no one noticed. I stepped out of the room right behind everyone. As they made their way into the living room, Akito looked up. She was already dressed in a tux. Each person, one at a time, moved aside and eventually, I stood there in front of Akito. She examined me and smiled sweetly.
"You look amazing Miss Honda. Shall we go?" he asked.
I looked at the clock on the wall behind him. It was already 7:36 pm. "Sure," I answered, "But what about Mr. Jordan and the rest of the---"
"If I am correct, they will be picked up soon," Akito interrupted me.
"But by what?" I asked confused, "They came with you."
"Don't worry Miss Honda, my personal chauffeur will be here to take Miss Sparks and I to the airport soon," Mr. Jordan said.
"We all have our own transportation, no need to worry," Miss Crystelle said.
"Oh," I said completely forgetting the fact that these people were rich and famous.
Akito and I departed in a stretch limo that was parked outside when we exited the house. We went to a hotel where the event was held. It was a luxurious hotel. Everything there was so glamorous. Akito and I entered the ballroom together and he guided me down the huge staircase that led to the huge dance floor. I was nervous. The spotlight was on us now as we slowly made our way down the stairs.
"Don't worry Miss Honda," Akito whispered into my ear as we walked down that staircase that seemed to last forever.
I looked down and saw that the entire crowd was looking at us. I froze. Akito jerked my hand lightly.
"You look great tonight, you don't have to be afraid of anything," Akito whispered to me.
I turned my head and looked at the crowd beneath us. There must have been over a hundred people there. Then I saw the fan club girls in one corner. They were pointing and laughing at me.
"I'm sorry Akito, but I can't do it. Those fan club girls are over there and---" Akito placed her index finger on my lips once again shutting me up.
"It doesn't matter. Besides, they're jealous because you look better than they do," Akito said.
"But---" I turned and looked at the crowd again.
This time I caught a glimpse of orange. I focused my eyes at that orange spot and found Kyo. Yuki was standing right beside them. They both gave me an assuring smile. I looked at Yuki and he mouthed off the words, "You can do it." I took in a deep breath and wrapped my left arm around Akito's right.
"Let's go," I said boldly and began to walk again.
Akito smiled at me. Once we reached the ground, everyone opened up a passage way that led to the center of the dance floor. I didn't notice anything else when I saw Kyo and Yuki looking at us.
"Ky---" I tried to call for them, but Akito had pulled me with him to the center of the dance floor.
"Shall we dance?" she asked.
"Um…" I looked over at Kyo and Yuki who are now surrounded by girls. Disappointed, I answered, "Sure."
Akito smiled and started the dance. As we glided to the soft music, we began a conversation.
"Miss Honda, you are very beautiful. If I was man, I believe that your beauty would've attracted me too," she said.
"Oh, I'm flattered that you think so, but I really don't think that I'm pretty compared to those fan club girls," I said looking toward the crowd of girls that surrounded Yuki and Kyo.
"But you are, Miss Honda. Your kind heart and sweet personality makes you even more irresistible," Akito continued turning my attention back to her.
I blushed. Akito smiled.
"Miss Honda, I have someone that wants to see you tonight and everything will be clear once you see this person," Akito said suddenly.
"What do you mean?" I asked completely caught off guard.
Akito merely smiled and said, "You'll see."
"But ---" before I could continue the song had ended.
Then a girl in a black dress came up to us.
"Akito, would you like to dance?" she asked Akito.
"You'll have to ask my beautiful date about that," she said to the girl.
They both looked at me. "OH! Sure…I'm meant of course…I mean, I don't mind," I said.
The girl smiled happily and pulled Akito away from me. Before I knew it, I was standing in the middle of the dance floor all alone. I tried to get out of that spot, but I was trapped where I was by the many dancing couples. I was going to give up, when suddenly I felt a light tap on my right shoulder. I turned around to find Kyo standing behind me. He smiled and held out his hand. I looked at it confused.
"Dance with me you idiot!" Kyo said in annoyance.
"Oh!" I replied suddenly realizing what he wanted.
He wrapped his arms around my body and I wrapped mine around his neck. Our bodies swung to soft music. There was a really awkward silence between us though.
"Kyo, you look very handsome tonight," I said trying to break the awkward silence.
He looked at me with a weird expression on his face. "So are you saying that I'm not handsome during other times?" he asked.
"No! Of course not, you're very handsome…I mean you're not handsome…wait, I mean you're handsome too, but not as handsome as you are tonight…wait, what I'm trying to say---" I panicked uncontrollably before he shushed me with a gentle kiss on my lips.
I jerked my head away immediately. That kiss…I missed it so much and my heart wanted it so badly, but my body rejected it. I looked away from him completely embarrassed. He smirked a little. "This isn't the first time I've kissed you, but this is the first time I've noticed how cute you are when you're embarrassed," he said almost in a teasing way.
We continued to dance until the end of the song. When it was over, I was dying of embarrassment, so I wanted to get away from him as soon as possible. I excused myself and went outside to the garden. I sat on a ceramic bench that overlooked the lighted fountain. I was taking in deep breaths as I began to calm myself. Then I heard a familiar voice. I looked up. It was Yuki. He sat down beside me.
"How's the formal for you so far?" he asked.
"Oh, it's great," I lied.
"That's nice to know. You look great tonight," Yuki said.
"Oh, thank you. Akito had his personal stylists dress me for tonight," I explained.
"They did a great job," Yuki paused for a moment and then continued, "Tohru, after tonight, nothing will ever be the same again. Did you know that?"
"What do you mean?" I asked confused.
"Before tonight ends, can I create one last unforgettable memory with you?" Yuki asked suddenly.
"Huh?" I replied stupidly.
He grabbed my hand and helped me up. Then he wrapped his arms around my body.
"Can I have this dance?" he asked.
I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck. As we danced, we began to goof around mixing in random moves. We did a little of everything. It was fun, but I have to admit that I was glad that no one else was there. We looked like complete idiots. It was a very awkward, but fun dance. After the song ended we separated.
"That was great!" I said.
"Was it? We were just goofing around," Yuki said.
I nodded. "It was really fun. Thank you Yuki," I said.
"Hm?" he looked at me.
"For making this night so unforgettable," I said with a huge smile on my face.
"No, thank you Tohru…Thank you…" he said as our eyes met.
Our heads began to move closer and closer uncontrollably. Before we knew it, we shared a romantic and passionate kiss. Then, we wrapped our arms around each other and shared a long hug.
"Tohru," he said suddenly.
"Hm?" I said softly with my head against his chest.
"I want you to know that no matter what I'll always love you and I'm sorry for all the pain that I've caused you. After tonight, I might not be able to love you like this anymore, but I'll always remember this very moment," Yuki said.
I let go. He too let go. "What do you mean?" I asked confused.
"You will hate me after tonight and you will never be able to love me the way you do at this very moment anymore, but I don't mind because…because I have you now and its more than I can ever ask for. I'm sorry Tohru," Yuki said.
I was confused because I had no idea what he was talking about. However, fear overcame me. I wanted to know what he was talking about, but at the same time…I'm afraid to face it…I'm afraid to face it because I know that once I come face to face with it, I will no longer be able to be with Yuki. This feeling overcame me and I began to be teary eyed. Yuki wiped away those tears with his two thumbs.
"Don't cry, you'll ruin your make-up," he said.
I laughed lightly. He smiled.
"Yuki, whatever you did, I forgive you," I said.
"Thank you. That's what I've been wanting to hear," Yuki said.
"Miss Honda," Akito called suddenly.
I turned around. "Yes Akito," I replied.
"May I have another dance?" she asked.
I looked at Yuki.
"Go," he insisted.
"Sure," I answered and walked over to him.
As I walked, I turned around and looked at Yuki one last time. Little did I know, that would be the last time that I'll see Yuki as I knew him. He smiled at me. I turned back around. Akito and I entered the ballroom again leaving Yuki behind. For the rest of the night, I didn't see Yuki or Kyo again. They both left. It was as if they had an emergency. Anyways after the formal, Akito finally took me to see the person that he had mentioned about earlier. To my surprise, that person was staying in that same hotel. Akito took me to the top floor, where only one room was. It was biggest and most luxurious room in the whole hotel.
After the formal about four hours later…
As the elevator came closer to its destination, I felt my heart beat faster. I was so nervous. Who could this person be? And above all, why did they want to see me? When the elevator finally stopped, Akito lead me to two huge doors. He pushed them open. I stepped in. Then I looked up and saw an old woman with light brown hair sitting on a couch directly in front of me. She looked familiar, but I couldn't quite remember who she was. Akito step in front of me and bowed. She looked at Akito for a second and then turned her attention back to me.
"It's been quite awhile now, Tohru Honda. You've done quite a bit of damage since the last time we saw each other," she said.
I remember that voice! Her face began to become more recognizable…
Flashback
She was comfortably located on a huge red coach to the left of Master. She got up and started walking toward me. At that moment, a great amount of fear took over my body.
She examined me thoroughly. "So you are Tohru. Hm, there's nothing so great about you," she said.
"Mother!" Master yelled as if he was trying to halt something.
She hushed him and continued examining me. "Tell me Tohru. Do you love my son?" she asked as she circled around me.
"How did she know?" I thought to myself silently.
I didn't say a word. I knew that a slave will never be allowed to be with her master. It was foolish of me to have even thought about being with Master forever. I was stupid to have believed that Master might love my back. I was stupid. I didn't say a word. I just tilt my head downward and looked at the ground beneath me.
"Why are you not answering me?" she asked as she stopped in front of me, "Is it because of the fact that you do in fact love my son?"
Again, I didn't say a word.
"Answer me!" she yelled.
I had no choice now; I had to let it out. I looked at Master who was still held back by two guards. He had a sad expression on his face, but I didn't know why. Then I looked at her. I gathered up all of my courage and said, "Yes. I do. But I know that a slave like me will never be loved by my master. In fact, a slave like me shouldn't even be allowed to love."
"Very wise of you," she replied, "You say that a slave has no right to love, so why do you love?"
"I…couldn't control it. I…I…just do. I've fallen in love with a person that I was never meant to be in love with," I said sadly looking at Master.
"I see. Do you think you are worthy of my son's love?" she asked.
"No." I answered simply.
"You're a liar," she replied in with a scary tone in her voice.
I looked at her surprised. What did she mean? I was not lying. I really don't deserve his love.
"You think that you can make my son fall in love with you by seducing him!" she continued, "You think that a slave girl like you is worthy of my son!"
"No…Miss--" I was interrupted by a slap.
Sheswung her arm and slapped me unexpectedly.
"Mother! It's not her fault!" yelled Master now trying to break loose from the guard, but he was unsuccessful.
Once again, she hushed him, but this time he did not stop. He was still trying to get loose.
"You know what happens to those who are naive enough to think that they are more than just a worthless slave?" she asked evilly, "They get punished!"
She strikes me again. This time, he ring left a scratch across my face.
"I knew my husband made a mistake when he allowed you to be around my son. But it's not too late to fix things. I'll show you what'll happen if you do things that you're not supposed to!" she said as she headed back to that red coach.
I didn't understand what was happening. Why was she so angry? Was it because I admitted my love for Master? While I was lost in my thought I felt a pain in my arm. Then I snapped out of my thoughts and realized that she had ordered the guards to whip me. One after another, the guard whipped me with long whips. The pain was unbearable. I fell. I was on my knees begging for forgiveness even though I didn't know what I did. But she ignored me.
After around the 20th whip, I couldn't handle it anymore. I fell with the front of my body on the ground and my back facing the ceiling…
End of Flashback…
This woman had disappeared three years ago and out of my life completely. I had almost forgotten about her existence. This woman whom I feared since before I can remember is now back…This woman was…she was…she was my… my Mistress…