As Michiru turns onto yet another small street, she takes care to drive with extra caution. She knows many streets don't get cleaned or salted as they should. According to the radio traffic on the highways is backed up for hours due to a few accidents and to avoid it all shes taking the old back streets. Some are only dimly lit up with the look of a holiday fantasy of the sparkling ice and snow with not much other then the Christmas lights illuminating the night sky...

"The lights here are so pretty" I say as I yawn in the back seat beside my brainy blue haired friend. "And today was sooo much fun." I happily comment before peeking at the silently studious Ami beside me who is fully into her new college level science book. Just the look of it bores me so much that I feel my self sleepily snuggling in to the warm seat of Haruka car and drifting off.

Michi is a great driver, it's a good thing I showed her the back streets before all the turns and some one way streets, you need to watch carefully where you go other wise you could get lost or worse crash into someone. It's going to add another half hour to our trip back but the highway traffic right now would be much worse, I see more cars appearing, its clear were not the only ones with this idea, normally traffic in this area is very little due to the bumpy roads and potholes.

I put the science book down, Ami rubs her eyes, not another headache I think with frustration. I was so enjoying that chapter but right now it does not feel like a good idea to keep pushing myself. I tuck the text book in my container neatly, I see Usagi is half drooling fast asleep and leaning low against the window. She must be tired, I don't blame her. A lot has happened in the last few days, even I need sleep but that can wait till I'm in my own bed.

Driving here is so difficult, I watch the other cars on the street with worry. There are some racing down the streets, it's a mess. I slow down just in time to avoid getting hit by a car speeding through the intersection, we only slid slightly but managed to stop. The near miss has Ruka cursing at the other drivers while I watch the road. What a team we make. Finally I get to Ami's street and pull in. As she gets ready to leave I ask Ami. "Please thank your mother again for everything she did for Haruka." Ami nods sincerely. "I will Michiru. Thank you for lunch and for the ride on this biting cold winter night." Ami gathers up her things, and thanks Haruka as she gets out of the car.

After making sure Ami gets inside I pull away and start driving, when I look in the mirror theres no sign of Usagi. By the sound of her snoring its easy to tell shes fast asleep. We will soon arrive at her house, she does not live far from Ami which is good as it's made it easier for her to get help studying.

"No use in trying to wake her right now Michi. I can see Odango's Mother in the doorway waiting for us to arrive."

"Your right Haruka, she don't look happy at all..." I pull in the driveway at Usagi's home and I see her mother come rushing out to us in the car.

"Where is my baby? I don't see her! Where is she?"

"She fell asleep in the back seat." I get out and open the door so she can see the snoring Usagi. I watch as her mother lifts her out of the car, when we try to tell her of the gift box she ignores us and carries Usagi off.

"You two wait here, I will be back in a moment." She says sharply, rushing into the house with the still sleeping Usagi. Presumably she's tucking Usagi into bed. After a while of awkwardly waiting she comes back outside.

I try to reassure the obviously upset mother. "We didn't mean to be late but there were many accidents so we took the backstreets to be safe." While talking I didn't realize that I was still holding Ruka's hand in mine, it's become so natural to me that I don't think about it.

"Its not just being late, I'd rather not have people like you be around my daughter. Your older and that's among other things I don't care to get into. So please respect my wishes and keep your distance from her." She says coldly and dismissively, she clearly does not want to talk to us.

"Fine with me." Haruka turns away, quickly enters and Slams the car door shut. "I just don't need this tonight" Haruka says tiredly. Michiru just turns without a word and gets in the car.

"To be honest Haruka, I don't think Usagi mother is allowing her to grow up." She says as she backs out of the drive way beginning the trip to Haruka's apartment.

"I know and I think that's what is causing issues with her relationship as well, considering the fact that she has no knowledge of sex or many other things. You and I have both seen her room, it reminds me of a child's nursery and I'd rather not get into it with her parents."

"Maybe we can find a way to explain a few subjects to her without going too far, but that's more of her parent's place and we don't want to cause trouble. There is an age difference as is but if he feels shes not fully ready for a relationship he will keep a distance and I can not blame him."

"Odango is 14 and he's 17. He's ahead of her, nearly adult aged. Usagi is not close to old enough to give what some men his age want but she needs some education on it at least. But it won't be from us, it's best we just keep distance." Haruka says while thinking about Usagi's Mother's demand that they stay away.

"Well we were late with bringing Usagi home, we could of asked Usagi to call her to let her know or left the party earlier to make sure we had time for a longer trip. In some ways we deserved her anger, it's after eleven Ruka." I wait for a response but there is nothing but silence now between us and I don't know why. "If I was a mother and someone was late getting home with my child with no calls I'd be angry and say things I may not mean and there was no use standing in the freezing cold yelling at each other."

Sigh, I am the first women Michiru has dated and I don't think she understood what Odango's Mom was implying. I let Michi take my hand, tonight isn't the night to get in to that shit.

I pull in to Haruka parking spot in the garage, I am sure in the morning that everything will be much better for everyone once they all get some good rest. After parking I kiss Ruka's hand. "We can get the gift boxes in the morning." Opening the door I get out, shutting it as I walk toward the other side to see her already out waiting for me.

I take Michiru's arm, we walk to the elevator, once up on my floor we walk in to my apartment. I go in to my kitchen and turn on the kettle. "Would you like some tea Michiru?"

"Sure but you have a seat, I will get it." I walk over and put a tea bag in each mug. "It sure has been a long day look exhausted, did you want your ice pack from the freezer?"

"Ya thanks Michiru, but I am not that tired. Really. I have your gift right here for you, come and sit with me."

I give the ice pack to Haruka, walking back to the kitchen, I pour the boiled water into the mugs and bring them over to the coffee table. I sit close to my Haruka's left side and hand her a pillow to support her arm. I lean over and give her a deep french kiss. "I have your gift right here in my bag, I left it here earlier."

We trade gifts. "Michiru I don't mind being with our friends. Don't get me wrong but this time with you alone is what I really enjoy. Here, open your gift from me first."

"Alright Ruka."Carefully I unwrap the box and then take the lid off. "Oh! It's beautiful." I pull out a gorgeous but simple locket that had a gold chain with an ocean blue shaped heart,when I open it there inside was the picture of our very first kiss when we finally admitted our feelings for each other. "I remember taking that selfie of us. I never wanted to forget that moment it's hard to believe its been six months of us together." Leaning into Ruka's arms. "Would you please put this on me?"

"Yes of course." I lean in to kiss Michiru's neck as I put the necklace on her.

"Mmm Ruka you know what that does to me." I moan, turning around and passionately kissing my Ruka. I was about to start to unbutton her shirt when I hear my phone going off. I sigh, who could that be? Checking my texts it looks like my mother has sent out the limo to come get me. She wants me home to discuss a few things. She must have used the GPS tracking to find me... "Ruka I really wish I didn't have to go" I hear the limo honking from outside then my cell rings. "Yes Bradbury, just give me a moment please." I hang up with frustration. "I am so sorry, really I wanted to be with you."

"No Michiru, it's fine I understand. You better not keep him waiting long." I pull her close, kissing her deeply. "We will see each other after Christmas."

I grab my bag. "It will be way before that Haruka." Opening the door and walk away closing it behind me...

I lock my front door and pick up my gift from Michiru, I put it away in the dresser drawer by my bed, that can wait till shes here. I carefully take off my shirt and pants then I swallow my pain medicine. As I lay down in my bed I think to myself, not very many people who meet me like being around me so it wasn't a surprise about Michiru's mom. With a yawn and a stretch I let myself relax a bit, it's so good to be back in my bed. Finally I turn off my light and settle in to sleep.

I arrive at home and can see my Mother is already in the dining hall with a pot of tea on the long table, she must have been waiting for me. "Hello Mother, what is it you wished to discuss with me?" I take a seat on the other end of the table, the closest to the door.

My mother smiles at me and in her best interpretation of a motherly tone begins. "Michiru, I am sorry I told you about the fiance I chose for you in such a brutal fashion. I don't wish to spend this holiday arguing with you, so now that your aware that you and he will meeting we can just spend the time shopping and get ready for when they arrive."

I feel the anger rising again in my chest, looking at my mother's fake smile and hearing her say it will be fine.But I am just too tired to deal with this, for now. Rather than talk any further I rush upstairs and into my room, I shut and lock the door behind me.

After flopping on my bed I realize I forgot to give Ruka her gift. "Oh no." I sigh.I pull out my cell and wonder, would she be up? Eventually I try to call but there's no answer, I guess will just have to call her as soon as I can...

I wake up stretching, at least my arm don't hurt half as bad as yesterday. I check my phone, lets see,today is December 15th and it's been two days since I have heard from Michiru. I have been cleaning up my apartment and busy finishing a few things for work on my laptop. I can't drive yet so I decide to call a taxi, to get to my doctor's appointment and then to the Lunar mall so I can finish a few things left on my list.

I get dressed carefully, awkwardly pulling on my sky blue shirt then slowly put on my black hoodie, it's old and the zipper don't always stay up but it's comfortable. I zip it up then pull on my black jeans then slip on my black boots and coat put on my sunglasses and walk out the door.

As I got downstairs I heard the cab beeping impatiently, I hurried over to get in so I could get to my appointment.

I can't seem to study another page rubbing my eyes and close my studies. I have such a headache,I guess there's no choice, I need to look up that number for the place at the mall that Minako suggested and make an appointment to get my eyes checked. Just as I was about to search for that number, my phone rang. I can barely see the number but instantly recognize it, my grandfather is calling me. I reluctantly press the green button on the screen. "Hello grandfather." I say with forced cheer.

"Hello Ami, how has your school work been going? You better be studying hard! Only a good education gets you far in life, this world is tough and full of idiots."

"Yes Grandfather, I have been studying a lot. I got brand new college level books to keep ahead." Rubbing my eyes as I talk, I don't tell him about my new friends, to him that is a useless distraction, I have to keep things very vague with him, unless I want a lecture on the importance of education and furthering ones self to get the top of careers and opportunity to keep up with life's constant competition. My focus snaps back to attention as my grandfather tells me that when he gets here he will keep me busy with university studies from Japan during our holidays. He called it an unnecessary vacation in his words, he then told me to get back to work and hung up on me. Wiping tears from my eyes, this headache hurts and that call was no help.

Just one look at the piles of books and all the homework I have already completed suddenly makes me feel sick and dizzy. Instead of the joy of the very privilege of knowledge they held ready to give me at this point, I knew something had to give the last thing I wanted was to begin to hate studying so at this moment. I made the tough choice to gather my books and papers and neatly put them away and not only go out to get my eyes checked but to have fun...

I woke up in bed, in my soft purple pajamas with the bunnies all over them. My mom must of tucked me in, wiping sleep away from my eyes the smell of pancakes was wafting in to my room from downstairs along with the promise of bacon and sniff mmmm moms homemade hash browns yummy! If I don't hurry I just know my pig of a brother will eat them. I grab my clothes out of my closet and dresser quick and get dressed with just one look in the mirror to check my Hair before quickly dashing downstairs there is no way that I am Missing out on this!

I see my daughter enter the kitchen, I knew her favourite breakfast would wake her, hopefully it will make this talk with her easier. If things go as planned. I have already sent my husband out with her brother to the park for the afternoon.

It don't take long for me to notice that the kitchen is empty, except for my mother and I, oh boy all this food just for me! I quickly sit at the table. "Good morning mom! Everything smells so good, your cooking is the best!"

"Good afternoon Usagi you slept in quite a bit and thank you, with practice I am sure you will cook just like this one day." As I scoop the home made hash browns between her pancakes and bacon. "Here you go, enjoy, while you eat I would like to talk with you on a few important things."

"Sure thing Mom." As I pour syrup on my pancakes and begin to devour the best breakfast in the whole wide world!

Pouring myself a fresh cup of tea, I have a feeling I will need it today more so then usual. I sit across from Usagi. "Listen to me, about last night and those two older girls. I'd rather you not see them anymore. It's fine if your friends choose too, that's not our business, but you are my business..."

I drop my fork in shock. "You can't mean Haruka and Michiru! They are so kind and smart, especially Haruka. She's an amazing athlete, plus so strong, her karate beat Makato like nothing, her driving is top quality, she races too on bikes and just started cars."

"That's enough!" Seeing the blush on my daughters face while she spoke of that Haruka confirms that my concerns are right, I hate to hurt her but it's for her own good. "If you go near either one of them, I will ground you for the entire holidays and will not allow you to go anywhere for a month unless I or your father are with you. Those two women are near adult age, it is not appropriate for you to be with them nor is it safe what so ever! One day you will understand why I am doing this and that is the last we will speak on the subject. Now finish your breakfast and if you want there is a fun day going on at the park for kid's today. It's for spending the day with Santa, it starts soon and your father and brother are already there."

My head hung low, all I can see is the floor and my pink socks. My hunger is gone, as I push my plate away with a silent no thank you tears stream down my face. I run as fast as I could out of the kitchen back to my room where I hug my stuffed bunny and cry.

The Mall is extremely crowded today, my mother and I are dodging the people as quick as possible. I have been so busy with the preparations she feels are important I haven't had even a minute to myself and that guy is supposed to come tomorrow. I have no interest in him at all, I wish I could tell my mother the truth about myself and about Ruka.

"Michiru, young lady, this spa will relax your nerves. Not only that it will also refresh you and rejuvenate you. I have gone to this place for many years, mainly because none of my fans would ever think I'd come to such a simple ordinary mall who has the spa that does such a good job with simple quality items but there is more to this, come out ladies."

"Hey Michiru." Emma says with her best charm. "You look gorgeous as always, I doubt this Spa will improve that but they can try right." she giggles.

Three girls step out from behind a sign that's by the spa; Emma, Olivia and Oaklynn, girls I was raised with in the inner circle of those that mom approves of, I am not as close to them as my mother thinks but I put on my best manners and smile. "So good to see all of you ,it's been way to long."

Olivia straightens her dress. "Why yes, life is just way to busy isn't it Michiru? Too bad time isn't something you can buy more of, am I right? But even so, I don't have any regrets for missing you because now I can catch you up on all the good gossip."

"That does sound rather interesting... I look forward to hearing about it while we all relax together..."

Oliva hands Michiru a bag with the latest make up. "After all we must keep our appearances and reputations."

"Yes of course" I take the gift. "thank you Olivia it's lovely..."

I walk in to the mall pulling off my hood and dust off some snow. I am so glad that they have began some exercises with my elbow and are impressed with my healing. It's not like I could tell him I heal fast because I am sailor Uranus. I can't wait to be out of this splint so I can go back to driving my sports car. Pulling out my list to remind myself what I need, stepping in to the music store to take a look around at a few Cd's in the different sections. I plan to buy the new classical music album that came out, I expected to see Minako at the counter today as it's when she usually works. Instead I see a different woman I know there, as I set my purchase on the counter I ask. "Hey grace what happened to Minako?"

"She is fired, along with many others that were supposed to get a bonus this year. The boss is planning to fire more and when he lets them go he not only takes away the bonus he only pays half the wage."

"Shit that must of been the call she got, that's illegal Grace."

"He's rich he will get away with it. Anyway, the Cd costs thirty dollars "

I pay Grace and lift up my bag off the counter, as I walk out of the store I take another look at my list my mind, now wondering where Minako is and if shes ok. Soon as I am done shopping for a gift for my dad and a few groceries I can rush out of here and call Minako-OOF!

"Haruka?"

"Michiru?" I take off my sunglasses to see her standing by an older elegant woman, the same height but different coloured hair, she's a brunette and has it wrapped in a bun. I have only met her two other times before this, it's Sakura, Michiru's Mom. Then the three other girls I've seen a few times step out of the spa, I find them too annoying to bother remembering their names.

"Haruka, young man, watch where your going! Now please move, Michiru has an important day to get ready for. She's meeting a real gentlemen."

"A man?" It took a moment to click in when I was trying to fix my zipper that had slid down,I could tell with the look of disgust on her face and the frowning confusion on the other three, they could notice I had a bust. The last few times they had met me I was wearing a chest binder top under my clothes so my breasts didn't show but now she knows and so does Michi's friends. What I don't understand is why did Michiru never tell her or them? She had said she did three months ago.

My rage has my face growing hot I notice he is a SHE, this person has lied to try to win my daughters heart and steal from her I know it! "Get away from us!" slapping Haruka HARD "How dare you pretend to be a man! What is wrong with your head? You must be NUTS!I never want to see you near my daughter and if you try I will have you arrested!"

Olivia steps forward. "What a vile creature you are, no person in their right mind would act in such an inappropriate manner. To think poor Michiru was tricked in such a cruel way." Olivia hugs a shocked speechless Michiru. "You must be so terrified."

"Haruka wait!" By the time I say something it's to late, I watch as she runs away and vanishes into the thick crowd of people, some still stood staring at all of us.

"You can all mind your business! Come Michiru and ladies we need to relax now more then ever" Taking my daughters hand I lead her shaking form inside the spa with me quickly.

I run all the way outside and in to the taxi that's waiting for me "I want to leave here right now!".

"Yes miss! Right away."

Numb is all I feel other then my heart pounding. She never told her mom anything about me! She lied! Why did I trust her? I felt the burning in my eyes, no I wont do it! She's not worth it, no one is. I take out my phone and block Michiru's number then force myself to focus on work, texting my lawyer about what was happening at the lunar mall and for them to check in to it and get back to me ASAP. I then text Minako and ask her to give me a call. I see in the mirror that my cheek is bruised and bleeding a little. The driver hands me a kleenex and asks if I am alright all I can answer is take me home.

"Yes Miss. No problem."

The weather outside is as gloomy and rough as I feel. The sky is dark grey and there's rain pouring down hard. I keep my focus out the window on the buildings and passing phone rings, it's my father. I take a deep breath in hopes to calm my racing heart. I know if I don't answer he will worry and know there is something wrong. I quickly pay the driver of the taxi press the screen and walk to my building, I wander to the elevator and after a few moments of aimlessly waiting trudge into my apartment.

"Hey Haruka-dear, been a little while since we spoke. Thorn and the others will be down soon, in less then a week, they are just finishing a few more things. You know how busy the Christmas season can be with all the long line ups and traffic."

"Yes I look forward to seeing them all very much. I've been in long line ups most the day, it's so much bullshit out there and don't get me started on the prices. It's easy to tell there's no deals. Anyway try not to work too hard, take it easy ok. Yes, I promise to take it easy too.

Bye Dad."

I hang up the phone. My cheek is stinging and throbbing, my stomach is in such a tight knot. Sitting in the living room like this is unbearable. I pickup the CD in my hand, I feel the case, looking at the bright violins and music notes on the front, staring at the names in bold, one being the name of my now ex girlfriend. I take it and THROW IT AGAINST THE WALL.

CRASH!