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Far From The Tree
Chapter 16
HARUHI
My heart was in my stomach, and it took everything I had not to simply collapse to the ground as we ran through the corridors of the ER. Tears clouded my vision and I was thankful I had Hikaru holding my hand to lead the way to Emi's room.
Ren was so panicked on the phone. Her tone was enough to make me want to scream.
She'd frantically told me that the two of them had just finished a late night snack, before Emi began wheezing and clutching her throat, struggling to breathe. She'd immediately called an ambulance, who arrived not long after. From what I'd been told when arriving at the hospital, Emi was okay now, breathing fine and snuggled up comfortably in bed. But the image of my little girl laying there scared and wanting her Mommy made my silver heels click faster on the linoleum floor.
Hikaru practically kicked down the door once we reached her room.
My little girl looked up at me from the TV, and Renge jumped to her feet.
I ran to Emi, climbing onto the bed and gathering her up in my arms, practically smothering us both within the skirt of my heavy dress.
"I'm so sorry Haru" Renge sobbed, "I don't know what happened, I'm so sorry, I'm the worst babysitter in the world-"
"It's okay" I sniffed, struggling to focus on her words as I ran my fingers through my Emi's auburn waves.
"Momma" she squeaked, "You're squashing me"
"Sorry baby" I loosened my grip and pulled back to look at her.
My poor little baby. She looked so tired. Her big brown eyes ringed with dark circles. And she was pale, so so pale, aside from the reddened rash that haloed her small mouth. Despite that though, she still managed to smile back at me.
"Are you okay sweetie?" I asked.
Emi nodded, snuggling into my chest, "I okay Momma. The doctor gave me some medicine so I'm all better now"
Hikaru then appeared on the edge of the bed, studying Emi's little face with caution.
Honestly for a moment I'd almost forgotten he was even here. The look on his face took me my surprise. Aside from looking genuinely relieved to see Emi awake and stable, there was a fierce concern that could have rivalled my own painted on his perfect face. I would have assumed he would have left once he got me to the room, but now I didn't even want to suggest it. It seemed like if I were to invite him to leave, he would only be hurt and probably worry even further. Besides, with the way I was feeling I needed his grounding presence.
"You really scared us Princess" he said gently, then turned to look at Renge, "Did the Doctors say what happened?"
She opened her mouth the reply, but it was then as if right on cue, a man in a white coat entered the room, clipboard in hand. We immediately looked up at him, eyes wide, ears ready to listen.
"Mr and Mrs Fujioka?" he questioned, looking between Hikaru and I.
"N-no" I shook my head, "He's a friend. I'm Emi's mother"
"Apologies" the Doctor nodded, "So I just want to emphasise that there's nothing to worry about. We've run some tests to find out the cause of Emi's reaction and it's nothing serious, it just might involve some adjustments with her food"
"Allergies" Hikaru stated, cutting the doctor off.
"Indeed" the Doctor replied, "It seems Emi has developed a nut allergy"
"A nut allergy?" I questioned, confused, "But...but she's had nuts plenty of times before, she's had peanut butter sandwiches, satay...and she's never reacted like this"
"Sometimes in childhood you can develop allergies, even after showing no reaction previously. It could be genetic, or it could be just a natural occurrence. And although most allergies show themselves during infancy, it's still relatively normal for children of Emi's age. Plenty of people have nut allergies, it's very manageable"
My eyes flickered to Hikaru.
He had a nut allergy. Perhaps that was why he stated it so confidently before the Doctor could even say the word. I expected he probably recognised the rash around her lips.
I looked back at the Doctor and thought through the his words at a million miles an hour; and the word genetic stuck out to me. I didn't have a nut allergy, nor did anyone on my side of the family. But...her Father's side? I wasn't sure. Obviously I had no way of being sure. Surely if Emi's doner had a nut allergy it would have been written in his paperwork? Maybe it was...
I made a note to check when I got home. If anything, it would be an answer at least.
"We were eating peanut butter ice cream" Renge uttered sadly.
"As I said, it's nothing to worry about. But I'm going to prescribe some antihistamines and an epipen just in case Emi has another reaction in the future" The Doctor explained, "But I have to make it very clear that Emi needs a completely nut free diet. You should not to have any nut products within the home, to speak to her Yochien about her updated dietary requirements and monitor the foods she eats from now on"
Emi frowned, "Can I still have ice cream?"
"You can still have ice cream, we just need to check for nuts" I replied, "Mr Hikaru has a nut allergy too, maybe he can tell us what we can still eat"
Hikaru smiled, "You won't miss out on anything" he said, "and you can still have Honey bars"
Emi's face lit up.
"When can we take her home?" I asked hopefully.
"Emi is stable for now, but we'd like to monitor her for a few more hours. It's probably best to keep her in overnight"
I nodded, knowing full well I'd be spending the night simply watching her. Because there was no way in hell I would be sleeping.
Renge went back to my place to pick up a change of clothes for me before she herself returned home. At around 1am Emi finally fell asleep, completely exhausted from the evening's events.
"Thank you for keeping an eye on her" I said to Hikaru when I returned from changing in the bathroom.
He looked up from watching Emi and offered me a smile.
"Don't worry about it" he replied, "Are you okay?"
I shrugged, glancing at my sleeping daughter as she quietly snored against her pillow, "I'll be fine when we're back home" I replied, "Thank you for staying. I think we'll be okay now"
"It's okay" he replied, "Happy to help"
I gave a small smile, my fingers fiddling with the hem of my tank, "I'm sorry we had to leave the gala...I know you didn't get a chance to speak to Nekozawa"
Hikaru frowned, "Why are you saying sorry?" he scoffed, "This is way more important"
"I know. I just feel bad that you had to leave"
"You really think I could have hung around at the gala whilst you and Emi were here?"
I didn't realise he cared so much. I knew he enjoyed spending time with us and took an interest in us, but I wouldn't have thought we were worth more to him than sweetening up a business deal.
My heart swelled.
"You need to sleep" he said, closing the gap between us. His hands cupped my shoulders and I looked up at his concerned face.
I felt my bottom lip quiver.
How the hell could I sleep? My baby girl was in the hospital because she went into anaphylaxis. All the while I was out dancing and drinking. I could only imagine how scared she was, how much pain she was in.
As if sensing my turmoil, Hikaru's arms wrapped around me and I buried my face into his shirt. My hands balled at the fabric, trying to draw comfort from his embrace.
"She's a strong kid. Just like her Momma" he said, resting his chin on the top of my head, "This is actually pretty similar to how my parents found out about my allergy"
"It is?"
I felt him nod, "Some kid at my Yochien whipped out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and I had a reaction. Mom didn't sleep for weeks after that"
"So what did your parents do?"
"Everything your Doctor told you" he replied, "And look how amazing I turned out to be"
I chuckled through my frown, "Funny"
"I'm serious. Emi will be fine. The food thing will be weird for a while, but once you're used to checking labels you'll realise it's pretty easy. I'll help however I can, and I always come with an epipen. Which may I add, I've never had to use"
I sighed quietly, already feeling a little better.
I felt a kiss on the top of my head, and I melted further into his arms.
"You sure you don't want me to stay? I can keep an eye on things whilst you catch some sleep if you want?"
I shook my head, "No, it's okay. You've already done more than enough"
"Okay, if you're sure"
I pulled back just a little to glance up at him, only to find he was already looking right back at me.
"Thank you" I said, my voice barely audible, "Really..."
It truly meant a lot for him to be there for us. Honestly, I wasn't sure I'd be so calm if he hadn't stayed.
"Anytime" he breathed, unblinking.
HIKARU
I didn't sleep.
Don't get me wrong, I tried. But it felt near impossible when the only place my mind could go was that hospital room where I knew Haruhi would be lying awake at Emi's bedside.
When I got home shortly after 2am I was shaking with adrenaline, finally letting the fear I'd felt in the last few hours take over.
I knew more than anyone how bad a severe allergic reaction was, since just a crumb would be enough to close my throat and suffocate me to death.
Even at my age I could vividly remember when I had my first reaction. I was only 3, and even then I knew that I was going to die. I remembered feeling itchy, breathless, numb, I panicked and clawed at my throat, tears streaming down my face, trying to call out for my Mother before collapsing into darkness.
Emi had to go through that. And that realisation caused so much despair, that it was near shocking to me. I hated knowing that this sweet innocent girl went through that pain and fear, not understanding what was happening. She was probably so afraid.
I could only imagine how Haruhi must have been feeling. My own Mother was in pieces when she found out I'd gone into anaphylaxis. My father however always saw it as a weakness - that something so small and insignificant as a peanut could end my life in a second.
I knew Emi wouldn't be put through that kind of shame. Not with such a loving Mother.
And certainly not with me around.
At 9am Haruhi texted me to let me know they were home, and I immediately threw myself in the shower and readied myself to go over.
I needed to see them again. I needed to know Emi was okay and back to her usual self.
But before I stopped at their house, I made a quick stop, running into the closest grocery store.
I loaded up a kart with all my go-to nut free foods, nut free sauces, meals, snacks, ice creams, cakes, then grabbed the biggest stuffed bear I could find, as well as every single item blazoned with a picture of Elsa on the front. I must have looked insane jogging down the aisles.
I didn't even bother looking at how much it all came to when I paid, but I did catch the look of awe on the cashier's face as she noted all the children's gifts.
"Looks like you're going to have one very happy little girl waiting for you at home" she said.
God, I hope so.
My arms felt as if they were ready to drop from their sockets as I clumsily knocked on Haruhi's front door less than an hour later.
Perhaps I went a little overboard...
The door then creaked open, and Haruhi appeared in front of me.
"Hikaru?" She gaped, her tired eyes wide with surprise, "What are you doing here?" she asked, then caught sight of the bags in my arms, "And did you buy out an entire store on your way here?"
"Sorry" I said, "I didn't mean to come over unannounced"
"No, no, it's fine. Emi's actually been asking for you"
"She has?"
My heart almost burst.
"Do you need some help?" she reached for the bags gathered under the grasp of my white knuckles.
I shook my head, "No, but I really need to put these down"
She stepped aside quickly, and led me through to the kitchen where I finally dropped them with a groan of relief.
"What is all this?" she asked, a chuckle in her tone.
"Uhh..." I racked my brain, trying to remember everything I got, but honestly I wasn't sure anymore, "Everything you need for a nut-free diet" I said.
Haruhi's eyes went wide and a look of appreciation touched her lovely face.
"Hikaru, no, I can't accept this"
I shook my head, "Tough. I'm not carrying it back out"
"Hikaru-"
"Mr Hikaru?" A croaky little voice interrupted.
I turned to the doorway to see little Emi stood staring at me, her auburn hair loose and wild as she rubbed her sleepy eyes.
"Hey Princess" I said, lowering myself down to her level, "How are you feeling?"
She yawned, "I told Momma already. I'm goods"
"Goods?" I chuckled.
She nodded, then caught sight of the bags on the floor. Her curious eyes lit up, then practically exploded when she saw the giant bear. A grin spread across her face, and suddenly she looked wide awake.
I laughed, "You like him?"
"Is he for me?!"
"Of course he is. Do you think he'll fit in your room?"
The little girl looked as if she were ready to burst as she ran to it, wrapping her arms around the stuffed animal as far as she could reach. The thing was bigger than she was.
Even Haruhi couldn't contain the smile on her face. It quickly seemed she'd already given up on fighting me about the shopping as she sat down beside me where I still hovered in a crouch to address Emi.
"I love him! I love him!" Emi beamed, snuggling into her new bear.
"You're very welcome" I replied, "You were so brave yesterday" my eyes flickered to Haruhi, catching her as she grinned. I swear her eyes went glassy with unshed tears, and I realised she probably still hadn't truly had a chance to process everything that had happened. I knew her well enough to know when she was trying to hide something, especially when she was suffering inside. I supposed the sleepless night hadn't helped.
"So brave" she said, kissing her daughter's forehead, "And Mr Hikaru bought you some food. It's the same food he likes so we know it won't make you sick again"
"Mr Hikaru stay for lunch?" Emi questioned, flashing a hopeful look back at me.
I wasn't really sure how to answer since I'd dropped by completely unannounced, but thankfully Haruhi did it for me.
"If he wants to" she said, smiling at me.
I nodded as if by instinct, "I'd love to"
Emi let out an elated sound, jumping up and down on the spot.
"What do you say to Mr Hikaru for buying you way too many presents?" Haruhi chuckled as she shot me a look of disbelief.
"Thank you!" Emi replied. Then suddenly threw herself into my rigid arms.
It came as such a surprise that I fell back onto my ass, catching the small girl before she ended up on the tiled floor. Emi didn't seem to care that I'd barely caught her, and happily wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed until my breathing cut out. It was then it occurred to me that I'd never been hugged by a child before, probably not since I'd been a kid. And the pure sweetness of it was enough to stir my heart again.
This whole family is making me soft.
"Gentle Emi" Haruhi snorted.
The small girl giggled, grabbing her bear to join in on the hug. I couldn't stop myself from laughing as I finally crumbled under the weight of Emi's embrace and the giant goddamn bear, falling onto my back, which sent Emi into hysterics as she bundled down on top of me.
It was only when Haruhi's laughter drifted into silence I became aware that someone else had entered the room.
Emi seemed to notice too.
"Grandpa!" she shrieked.
I straightened up, pulling her with me and sitting her on my lap. My eyes went wide as they met the cautious glare of a beautiful and incredibly tall red-headed woman standing in the doorway in a camel coat and sunglasses.
Then I clocked what Emi had said.
Grandpa.
Haruhi's Dad.
The redhead removed their glasses, raising a perfectly groomed brow at me.
I swallowed.
Hi guys! Thank you for reading! Chapter 17 coming soon I promise!
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- Yuli xx
