Chapter 14
Everyday like Today
Kaoru had walked through the first floor of her house after being dropped off by Kenshin. She saw no signs of her father or mother downstairs. Even the juice glass that Kenshin had drunk out of was still sitting in the kitchen sink.
She decided to head upstairs and check if her mom was home. She'd spent the remainder of her ride home from the seaside trying to figure out what to tell her mom about where she'd been all morning. "School? No, no my school bag and books were right near the front door so she'll know that wasn't true. I could tell her I was by Misao's house afterwards because I didn't want to stay home alone. Argh, do I really want to lie to her? Maybe she'll understand that they came by to check up on me and we just took a drive for a bit? Will she understand?"
Kaoru continued to rack her brains at the thought of being open and honest with her mother. Never before had she planned on lying like this. Silently she crept through the hallway of the second floor. She walked into her mother's room and saw no one.
"She's not even home yet!"
She let out a sigh of relief but right after she frowned at the thought of her mother not having a moments rest since coming home from work. "Argh, how long are they gonna' keep her there?" she said aloud.
Walking back to her room, she continued to fume over her father's ability to completely disrupt their daily routine lives. "Why does he have to do this to us? He doesn't do anything for us, so why give us more things to worry about and have to deal with?" She'd never been so angry with her father.
Kaoru quickly changed into come comfortable clothing: gray, straight-legged sweatpants, and a plain white crewneck cotton shirt. She sank onto her bed and lay on her stomach staring out the window.
Her thoughts went to her last moments with Kenshin just before she'd stepped out of his car. She closed her eyes and relived every moment…
------- FLASHBACK TO EARLIER WHEN KENSHIN DROPPED HER HOME -------
-------KENSHIN'S CAR---------
The two sat in silence for a few seconds after he'd pulled up in front of her house and shut off the engine to the car.
"Is her gonna' come inside? Why did he turn off the engine?" she thought to herself. She turned to look at her house a few time out of nervousness that they were being watched.
"Kaoru are you gonna' be okay?" he asked her.
She turned back to look at him and tried to put on a smile, "Y-Yes, I'll be fine".
He didn't buy it for a second, "Listen if they give you a hard time, just call me okay? Otherwise, I can just come inside with you now". He was dead serious about facing her parents. Kenshin Himura wasn't the type to run and hide. He liked this girl, and if that meant taking up a few choice words with her parents, then he wasn't scared.
"No, No Kenshin! I'm sure everything is cool. Not even sure if they're home or not. Don't worry okay?" She tried to assure him, but wasn't sure if she believed even herself.
He'd looked at her with an uneasy gaze before finally deciding to let her have her way. She was relieved to find that he wasn't arguing the issue any further, but was completely caught off guard when he leaned over and kissed her good bye.
The kiss lasted a few moments, and he'd taken control just as he'd done at the beach. She could do nothing but let herself melt into his mouth and nervously she dared to place one hand on his shoulder as they kissed. His hands were expertly traveling all over her shoulders, back, and through her hair.
At first she worried about the entire neighborhood seeing her making out with some guy in his car, but as the kiss lingered, all her thoughts faded. Her body became limp in his arms, and she allowed him to practically sweep her off her feet.
He finally pulled back from her and looked at her longingly, "Be safe and I'll call you later okay?"
"C-call me? You don't have my number."
He grinned at her as he pulled out his cell phone, "Actually, I do. Misao gave it to me this morning when we were tryin' to find you."
"Oh!" she was surprised, "well in that case I'll try to answer the phone."
"Why?" he smirked, "can't I speak to your mom? Do they allow you to get phone calls from guys at all?" He'd joked about the mom part, but the last part he was sincerely curious over.
"Of course I can get phone calls, from guys too, just guy FRIENDS" she explained.
"Oh boy! We'll have to fix that soon enough" he thought aloud.
"What?"
"Nothing, nothing. Go home now and get some rest. And promise me you won't beat yourself up over of this! We'll get through it together" he pulled her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on it.
She could've died right then and there, "damn him for making me feel like this" she thought.
Trying hard to fight a feverous blush that crept across her face, she gave him one last smile and exited the car. He waited until she'd reached her front door and was safely inside before pulling off.
------ END FLASHBACK --------
Kaoru lay in bed on her stomach and hugged a pillow under her chin as she continued to daydream. "Kenshin…I wonder how things will be different at school now?"
Her thoughts were interrupted by the phone's ring and she scrambled to reach it.
"Hello?"
"Hey there" came a smooth, husky voice.
"Kenshin…" she giggled inwardly. "Hi yourself."
"Everything okay at home?" he asked.
"Yes, it's fine. No one is home yet actually".
"Oh wow, they're really keeping your mom there this long? Damn…"
"Yeah…" she solemnly replied, "she must be so damn tired. I wish I could do something rather than just sit at home."
"Do you want to go see them? Maybe see what's going on and check up on your dad?"
"NO! I don't want to see his face Kenshin! I won't be able to stand it!" she spat back angrily.
"Whoa, okay, okay. I was just offering a drive to the hospital is all".
"Ah, sorry bout jumping down your throat. I just…don't want to see him right now".
"I understand K, so I'll see you at school tomorrow right? Or you plan on playin' hooky again?" he teased.
"K? What's with the nickname? And YES I am coming to school tomorrow!" she laughed back.
"Well Kaoru just takes so long to say" he continued to tease. "Kaaaaoooo-ru, I thought I'd shorten it".
"My mom gave me a name so you should use it! And why do YOU get to give me a nickname?"
He chuckled on the other end, "You really are a stubborn one aren't you? That's cute! Okay, okay, Kaaaooooru. Why don't you get some rest, I have to take care of a few things at home and I'll see you in the morning".
She was slightly disappointed that he wanted to end the conversation so quickly. "Uh okay, well then I guess I'll see you tomorrow".
"Hehe, yea. Hey, you want me to come pick you up in the morning?" he offered.
"Pick me up! What the…" What if her mom saw? N-No! I mean, what would I tell Misao? Don't worry I'll meet you at school as usual, okay?"
"Alright" he didn't seem fazed at her refusal and in typical Kenshin fashion, rebounded quickly. "Well then I'll see ya' tomorrow. Night."
"Night" she replied before hanging up.
She let out a sigh and lay back on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. "I wonder how long I'll hide this from them?" she thought.
Her family had always been most important to her, but now she wanted more. Kenshin wasn't only a way for her to experience life beyond school and home, but he was also her escape. Just spending a few hours with him today had shown her how to open up and actually take chances in life.
At first she had been reluctant to even step foot out the door with him when he offered breakfast, but something inside just told her to go for it. As if her spirit had been stifled the entire time by mundane responsibilities and routines, she had longed for a taste of freedom.
Earlier at the beach she'd known what it was like to forget her world for a while. Kenshin's arms were her support and anchor, and she'd relished being held by him. The kiss they shared there had set her body and spirit on fire. She wanted more kisses like that, more moments like that with him; she wanted to be that free spirit that she felt like today.
But the extreme happiness and elation she felt in her heart was also tainted by reality. The reality of her family, her home, and her father. He would never allow her to be free like that, even if it meant his own daughter's downfall. To him, pride, honor, and family integrity meant more than the lives of his family.
All day she'd suppressed those fears, especially around Kenshin. Or at least she'd tried to momentarily forget those fears. But reality has a way to creeping back and telling your wild heart to smother those desires. Kaoru understood perfectly well that her father would never allow any of it.
"But what about mom?" she thought. "I wonder if I should tell her. Not now though. She already has too much to deal with. When the time is right I'll introduce her to Kenshin myself."
As she continued to go back and forth in her head, she could hear the front door open downstairs. She sat up in her bed and looked at the time, "3:37, still too early for Yahiko to be home. Unless he skipped his after school program today."
She dashed out of her room and called down the stairs, "Yahiko?"
"No, it's me" came her mother's tired voice.
Kaoru descended the stairs and saw her weary mother removing her coat and shoes. The woman's eyes seemed even more sunken in than usual and the bags under them looked even darker against her pale skin.
"Mom…how is he? What took so long?" Kaoru asked as she took her mother's coat and followed her into the kitchen.
"Ah, one minute Kaoru. I am so hungry and thirsty! Those people had me sitting there for hours. All I needed to do was fill out forms and sign papers. I saw him for a few minutes but he was still unconscious".
"Sit and take a rest mom, I'll make some tea for you" Kaoru immediately went to the stove to put on a kettle.
Her mother sat down and Kaoru gave her some sweet snacks to munch on while the tea boiled. As Kaoru fussed over the tea preparation her mother spoke to her.
"They want to keep him in observation for a few days. They were running test after test on him trying to figure out where the blood came from."
Kaoru's movements became more rigid as she recalled the sight of the blood spilling from her father's mouth. She grasped a tea cup from the cabinet and rinsed it.
"What else did they tell you?" she asked.
"They couldn't say much except after I explained how he abuses alcohol so much. Most likely his body just couldn't take anymore punishment. A body can only take so much…drinking and throwing up all day then not eating. That's no way to live."
Kaoru was quiet as she removed the boiling tea from the stove. She cooled it and then poured it into the small cup. She brought over the cup to her mother.
"I think I can visit him tomorrow. I got the visiting hours from the front desk there. Maybe you kids can come too."
Kaoru silently winced at the thought of having to see her father in the hospital. She wasn't sure she had the strength to see the sight of him in a hospital bed.
"Well maybe, I missed school today so I might have work to make up. But you and Yahiko can go." She thought about that. Yahiko had been so angry this morning that she wasn't even sure if he would go.
"Where is your brother?"
"He's still at school. He has after school today remember?"
"Ah yes. Was he okay this morning?"
Kaoru thought again about her younger brother. How angry he had been at their father for putting them through this. How she had to calm him and spoke to him while walking him to school. She told him to say those angry things in front of their mother and how it would break her heart. She'd told him that she felt the same way sometimes, but no matter what he was their father. After she'd said all of those things to him, she'd wondered if she believed her own words.
"Yes, a bit shaken up, but he'll be okay" her mother didn't need any more worries on her head. "Mom are you still going into work today?"
"Yes of course. Unfortunately I can't afford to take a single day off regardless of what happens."
"Then why don't you just get comfortable and sleep until you have to go in tonight. I'll wake you. Don't worry about dinner okay?"
"What will you kids eat?"
"Ah…I'll make some raman noddles. Yahiko loves the stuff. I could just pop in a few vegetables and we're pretty much good to go for tonight."
Her mother thought about it for a moment and then slowly rose from her seat. Kaoru removed her empty dishes and make quick work of washing them clean.
"Okay, just make sure to wake my by 9, 9:30."
"I will"
And with that the women headed upstairs. Kaoru went back into her room, and soon after heard her mother's room door close shut. The woman needed her rest and it was already, 4:21 pm.
"Damn, she's not gonna' get any rest today and she still has to go to work".
Kaoru went back downstairs after a while and quickly put together the meal as best she could. Yahiko came home as expected, but his pleasant attitude soon turned sour as he walked in the house. Kaoru calmed him down, making sure that he was fed and cleaned up before he went to go start his homework. She told him to be as quiet as possible so as not to disturb their mother. Even though he never asked about their father, Kaoru told him everything that her mother had said to her.
"Whatever", was his response as he ran out of the kitchen and went upstairs to his bedroom.
Kaoru wondered what the full effects of their father's emotional and mental abuse would be on her brother.
She rinsed the dinner dishes, leaving a plate of food for her mother. After making sure the kitchen was clean Kaoru walked back upstairs. A strange feeling of calm took over as she walked by the still illuminated living room area. The lights had been left on since the morning, and everything lay in the same spot; everything except for her father that is. But she was comforted at the thought that tonight he wouldn't yell at her mother before she went to work. Tonight he wouldn't bother them for money and disturb their peace of mind. Tonight he wouldn't leave the house wide open and go out walking in the middle of the night making them worry.
At the same time guilt consumed her for thinking like that. How could she be happy that her own father was in the hospital? Was she truly satisfied to have some peace of mind for a few nights at the cost of his health? Was she wicked and an ungrateful daughter for feeling gratified that her mother wouldn't be bothered at work tonight by him? Was it wrong to feel this free after being tied down for so long?
Her conscious played back and forth like that as she lay on her bed. It was already 8:30 pm and she was looking forward to one thing, "Tomorrow I'll see Kenshin again. Thank goodness!"
She frowned at her own thoughts, "Damn I can't continue to tell him about my problems. He's gonna' think I have so much baggage! Besides, I won't let HIM ruin what I just started with Kenshin".
Kaoru woke her mother on time and warmed her dinner as she readied for work. She saw her mother off at the usual time and locked up the house as always. As she checked all the doors and windows on the first floor, she wandered into the living room. Looking around the messy room she could see why Yahiko hated the sight of it. She let out a loud sigh and turned off the light. He wasn't there and she just needed to be sure of it.
--------------------
The next morning Kaoru met Misao at the usual corner. Misao was pacing back and forth waiting for her friend to arrive. When she saw Kaoru walking towards her, she instantly lit up.
"Kaoru hi! How are you? How's your mom? Any word about your dad?" Misao didn't give Kaoru a chance to answer and embraced the girl in a hug. After parting, the short girl waited for her friend to answer.
"Ah they're okay. Dad is being kept under observation for a few days. It was a seizure. I guess all that liquor finally did some damage. Mom came home around 3-something yesterday afternoon. I guess she was shaken up but she's doing better."
The two started slowly pacing towards school. Misao wanted to ask more questions, but understood the tone in her friends' voice. Kaoru had never been comfortable talking about her family situation. This couldn't be any easier.
"Damn, I was just so worried when you didn't show up yesterday morning. I ran to school to find out if maybe I missed you or something." She turned to Kaoru and smirked, "And wouldn't you know it, Kenshin was already worried sick!" Misao started giggling, "He was so sweet Kaoru! First he tried calling you, then we drove around looking for you, then we went to your house. I figured I'd walk back here and see if you were waiting on me. That's where you met him I guess."
Kaoru reflected, "Yeah".
Misao looked at her friend as they continued on their walk, "So what did he say?"
"Ah…well…you know. He said how you guys were worried and all", Kaoru fought a blush. "And I guess he was really sweet and stuff. I mean he stayed with me until I felt better." She purposely didn't mention going to the beach with him. It'd only make the girl even more unruly and excited.
"Really?" Misao smirked.
Kaoru rolled her eyes and laughed, "Geez Misao! You're worse than a police interrogator! He…I…argh…we're going out I guess". Kaoru could barely get the words out. They were more unbelievable to say then to accept. "We're going out? God that sounds so weird!"
Misao squealed and giggled with joy. "Oh Kaoru! That's awesome! So he asked you huh? What made you say yes?"
"I…I'm not sure. He had asked me before, but this time he was just so much more sincere…" she remembered the scene in his car at the diner parking lot. She thought about his words and how gently he'd spoken to her as he'd held her face so close to his. She tried to hide a smirk that crept across her face from Misao.
"Aww! You guys are so cute together!" Misao was beyond excited.
"Misao, please don't make a big deal at school about this. I…I don't care if people know or whatever, but I just don't want it advertised either. It's no one's business but ours."
"Oh yea, I agree! Hey Kaoru? What about your parents? What are you gonna' do about them?"
"Well I obviously can't tell dad anything. He's in no state to hear any of this and you know that he wouldn't approve."
Misao nodded. "What about your mom though?"
"I want to tell her, but how can I? I mean she has to deal with so much right now. So I figure I'll just wait for the right time."
"Sounds good. Besides, it's not like you two are that serious right now. But it's still so CUTE!"
Kaoru laughed at her friend's excitement and noticed that they were nearing school. Suddenly her heart was racing faster and she wondered what Kenshin would say to her. "God, am I gonna' get nervous like this every time I have to see him?"
The girls entered the school yard and made their way to the regular spot where the others hung out. Sano was there and quickly made his way towards the girls as soon as he spotted them.
"Hey Missy! How are you? How's everything at home?" he seemed genuinely concerned.
"Hey Sano. Don't worry, I'm okay." Kaoru didn't know how to answer his second question. Sano was a good friend, but she wasn't comfortable about telling him everything in front of the rest of the group.
Sano gave Kaoru a tight hug, "Don't worry Missy. You can tell me later."
Amazed by the otherwise brash boy's sudden moment of pleasantness, Kaoru felt obliged to tell him. "No it's not like that Sano. Dad had a seizure yesterday and they took him to the hospital. He's under observation right now." She'd spoken in her meekest voice so as not to have everyone else hear.
Sano seemed utterly shocked and dismayed. "Ah…I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope that he gets better soon."
Kaoru smiled weakly and nodded.
"Your boy Kenshin was shittin' his pants when he didn't see you yesterday. He practically organized a search crew to look for you" Sano laughed, quickly changing the subject.
Kaoru giggled and turned red as she scanned the area of the red-head. "Where is he?"
Just then she felt a breath on the back of her neck and turned quickly around. Warm eyes met hers, as Kenshin smiled fondly at her.
"Morning" his voice was velvet.
She managed to get out a weak "hi" while fighting butterflies and a deep red blush.
"How're you feeling today? How's your mom?" he asked as the two walked away from the rest of the group. They stood inches apart from each other. Hundreds of other students mingled around them, but it was all drowned out.
"I'm okay. She's good too, got home around 3-something and slept. She had to work in the evening so I told her to rest."
"How about your dad?"
"She said they did a few tests on him and wanted to keep him for a few days under observation".
Kenshin reflected on her words and looked thoughtfully towards her. As the first bell chimed, they began to walk towards the entrance. He instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they walked, and Kaoru could feel the penetrating stars and hushed whispers coming from all around them. She looked over towards Kenshin, and he didn't seem affected in the least bit.
"Uh…this feels so weird…but good at the same time" she thought.
She saw Misao beam toward her and gave her a smile. Sano didn't seem the least bit surprised and continued to talk to Kenshin as they walked in.
The rest of the day was a blur as Kaoru could hardly concentrate on the lectures. Her mind kept wandering towards Kenshin who had every class with her. They sat together in some classes, but when Misao would make an appearance, Kenshin would reluctantly sit away. Kaoru couldn't help but blush and smile every time the two made eye contact in class.
The other students, especially the girls, were all a buzz as news somehow spread that the two were together. They got even more attention in the hallways when Kenshin would hold her hand or wrap his arm around her shoulders. He seemed to have no qualms over letting everyone know that they were together.
Out of nowhere while chatting with the rest of the circle of their friends, he'd whisper something sweet in her ear. "You look gorgeous when you laugh".
It'd send shivers down her spine and she reveled in the fell of his breath on her. Other students would boldly ask outright, "Umm, are you guys together or something?"
Kaoru would smile as Kenshin would quickly reply, "Yes, and?"
"Damn, and I thought we were gonna keep this quiet." She was a bit worried over the fact that everyone knew, but felt safe in Kenshin's hold. Besides, the rest of the girls didn't seem to bother him as much since she was around all the time.
During the last class Kenshin whispered to her, "Hang around after school and wait for me. I have something for you." And he went to sit near his friends as Kaoru sank in her seat next to Misao.
Kaoru stood outside in the yard after school and waited for Kenshin. Misao was already gone after making Kaoru promise a hundred times over to call and tell her about Kenshin's surprise.
She looked around for Kenshin and remembered he was talking to some of his friends from after class had ended. Finally she saw the main doors open and the red head emerged.
He smiled towards her, "Hey, thanks for waiting."
She smiled back at him as he continued to walk up to her. The two walked hand in hand towards his car and quietly she climbed in.
He didn't start the car immediately though, instead he turned towards her from his seat. She felt him shift towards her, but then reach in the back for something.
"Here, this is for you. I was a bit late this morning picking it up."
He handed her a single, long-stemmed white rose wrapped in clear plastic. The rose hadn't fully bloomed and was dusted lightly with glitter.
Kaoru graciously accepted and couldn't utter a word as she was in shock. "No one's ever given me flowers like this…especially a rose. But why white? Why not red?"
"What's wrong, you don't like it?" he asked.
"Oh! No! I love it. Th-thank you! It's just that…I've never gotten flowers before…like this" she muttered.
"Well you should. I got white because it's just so damn corny these days to give red roses you know?" he chuckled. "It's different, unique, and it'll be our thing."
"Our thing?" she wondered. "Did he just say OUR thing?"
He looked towards her and with a grin on his face he leaned closer. "Hey, you know you forgot something today."
She could smell the warm musk of his cologne and felt her stomach tighten into knots once more.
"What?" she asked, barely able to look at him.
He grasped her faced with one hand, "Where's my love kiss?"
She smiled and let out a breath, "Oh…"
But before she could say anything, his lips were already around hers. They kissed for several moments as he wrestled with her lips. She felt the same shivers pass through her entire body and bravely placed a hand on his shoulder. This time though she felt something new as he brushed his tongue along her bottom lip and continued to hold her close.
He broke away just as she felt herself drowning in him. She was so weak under his touch and was flushed as they pulled away.
"I'll drive you home" he started the engine. "Unless…" he looked at her playfully, "you want to go somewhere else today too?"
She giggled and replied, "No! Take me home please!"
They chatted about random topics as he leisurely drove. She didn't live far from the school and the both of them wanted to be together a little longer. He spoke briefly about his going home getting something together to eat since his father wouldn't be home as usual. She spoke about helping her mother out for the next few days since she was under even more stress. The only time her father came up during the conversation was when Kenshin asked which hospital he was in and when he was coming home. Kaoru replied and then quickly changed the subject.
"You have any plans? Let's do something this weekend" he asked her.
"Ah…yea sure" she replied. "I'll have to tell mom something though."
He was happy at her answer as they pulled up in front of her house.
"One of these days, someone is bound to see us" she thought.
The two kissed again, and he reluctantly let her out of his arms to go home.
"What are you gonna tell your mom about the rose?" he asked
"Oh crap, I forgot! I can't just walk in there with this in my hand! Argh, and I can't throw it out or return it to him." She noticed him looking at her with distress.
"Kaoru…" he started.
She interrupted though, "Oh hey I have an idea". Carefully she tore the long stem away from the rose. She was left with just the bud on a short 3 inch stem. She gingerly placed it in a cavity of her bag.
"See no worries! I'll just keep it in my room." She looked towards him after securing her bag. He smiled but had an eyebrow risen in surprise.
"Wow, next time I won't specifically ask for the long-stemmed ones. I think the extra-short ones will do just fine" he chuckled.
"Ah…sorry Kenshin…I…"
"It's okay as long as you're smiling."
She blushed at his comment and he leaned in again.
"I love making you blush like that" he whispered before stealing another kiss.
Just like before, he waited until she was safely through her front door before driving off.
As she turned around and walked further into her house, the scent of detergent filled her nose. She walked into the living room and noticed the lights were on. There she found her mother scrubbing away at the carpeting. The room had been wiped clean of dust, the dishes were gone, and all the empty bottles were too. The sheets had been folded and put away or put into the wash, and even the couch looked like new as it too was made up neatly.
After exchanging a few words with her mother, Kaoru went to her room relieved. For the first time in months she'd come home to peace and quiet. There was no angry father, or putrid smells, and the entire first floor looked fresh and illuminated.
She quickly pulled the rose from her bag and filled a small glass with water at first to place it in. But then she considered drying it to preserve it. Carefully she tied a string around the end of the stem and hung it upside down from one of the shelves on her desk. She admired the beautiful creamy-white petals, and continued to daydream about how perfect her day was going so far.
"Why can't every day be like today?" she wondered.
----------------
The routine continued for the entire week in that order. Every morning she would walk to school with Misao and meet Kenshin there. Every afternoon he would drive her home. They would stop along the park and become lost in each others arms. His kisses were more passionate than ever. Each time he dropped her home, she yearned to linger for a few more minutes with him. There was never enough time it seemed.
It had been a week and she was surprised that she was falling so hard for him. He was a drug that she needed everyday and she knew how dependant her heart was becoming on him.
He called her every evening and she would run to answer the phone before her mother or Yahiko could answer. Her mother wondered why her daughter was so anxious to answer the phone and also about how frequent she was on the phone. Kaoru had told her it was Misao each time which seemed to quell some of her questions.
Her mother had mentioned a few times to her to come and visit her father in the hospital. It seemed after learning of his alcohol dependency, the doctors thought it best to keep the man there a bit longer to detoxify his system completely. They were even encouraging him to attend meeting to address his addiction. Of course Kaoru listened to all that her mother told her, but she still never once visited the man. Even Yahiko had made the trip, but Kaoru felt she wouldn't be able to handle it.
That Saturday Kaoru had told her mother that she would be going out with Misao all day. Her mother had to work coincidentally as the Saturday manager had called out sick. She assured the woman that she would be home on time. It was decided that Yahiko would sleep over that a friend's house and his mom would retrieve him in the morning after work.
As planned, Kenshin picked Kaoru up just a few blocks from her house. It was now October, but the weather was still deceptively pleasant and mild. Kaoru had decided to wear her favorite pair of black pants and a chiffon top with beading all around the neck and arms. She layered it over a tank and collected her hair in the usual high pony tail.
Kenshin pulled up as scheduled at 12 noon on the dot.
"Hey there" he smiled at her as she climbed in the car.
"Hi! So where are we goin'? she asked as she buckled herself in.
"You know, you always seem to forget something very important" he fake-frowned.
She giggled and leaned over to give him a kiss.
"Now can you tell me where we're going?" she asked.
"You'll see" he teased.
"Kenshin! Why do you always do that?"
He reamained quiet and continued to drive, a smile plastered across his handsome face.
She continued to argue with him to give her more information about their destination, but he made no indications of saying anything. Instead she noted that they merged onto the highway. "Where is he taking me?"
"I love surprising you" he smirked as he continued to drive. The top was down on the car as black and red hair flew wildly in the wind. Kaoru continued to follow all the signs on the highway and read each one carefully as she tried to figure out where he was taking her.
Finally they took an exit and drove for a few more minutes along local streets. Kaoru didn't recognize the area immediately and looked all around her as they passed stores and shopping areas.
Kenshin noticed her wonderment and laughed, "How do you live here forever and not know where you are? Have you ever been here before?"
She continued to look around, "Well we don't exactly enjoy family-friendly activities you know. I don't know where I am!"
As he turned a corner to find parking, Kaoru finally figured out their destination.
"Oh my gosh! The fair?" she cried. She saw the familiar sights of a towering ferres wheel, and even a good sized roller coaster. The lights radiating from each of the attractions were different colors, and seemed to glow even in the mid-afternoon. It was the local fair that opened every summer and stayed opened until the end of November.
He looked over at her after parking and the top was covering the car once more. "Don't tell me you've never been here before?"
"Yes, but it was years and years ago. Before dad…you know" she thought about the few happy moments she'd shared with her family; the times that she came here as a young child and went on every single ride except for the roller coasters. She dreaded roller coasters more than anything.
"Well, now you're here with me! So let's go" he exited the car and she followed.
Walking up next to him, the two held hands and started walking down the walkway. The crowds were out in force due to the pleasant weather and it being a weekend. They walked along and passed several game booths and other attractions. He won a cute tiger for at a ring toss stand.
Kaoru wondered what good deed she'd done to deserve someone like him. He was concerned about her happiness, her well-being, and now he was going out of his way to make her so happy. "I hope this never ends" she thought.
The sights and sounds of the games, shows, attractions, rides and all the spectators filled the afternoon air. They participated in several games and even went racing around a small track in gas-powered cars. Never before had she spent a Saturday afternoon so carelessly.
She noticed several families walking around and wondered what had happened to her little family. Kenshin and she sat at a bench as they munched on their fat-filled treats and sodas. He noticed the sadness on her face.
"Kaoru what's wrong? You don't like it here?"
"No, no! Oh my gosh I love it here! Thank you so much for bringing me, it's such a surprise. I just…just…you know looking at all the families and stuff makes me wonder about mine".
"I know", he held her hand.
"I was remembering the times that we came here. I was so little it was such a long time ago. But I can at least remember us all being together. I…I haven't missed him the entire time he's been in the hospital…until now".
She wanted to cry at her own admission. She did miss her father, no matter what he'd done, he was still blood. Kaoru chocked back tears and the lump forming in her throat. For the past few days she'd been carelessly living up her life and now she felt guilty for those moments of happiness.
Kenshin rose and helped her up from her seat. As soon as they were standing, he hugged her tight in his arms. They stood there for several moments, and Kaoru thought about just sobbing into him but fought to stay strong.
"Come on" he took her hand and began walking back to the car.
Kaoru assumed that their time at the fair was over and she'd done a great job of ruining Kenshin's surprise. "He probably thinks I'm such a looser for bringing down the whole mood. He brought me all the way out here and all I do is sulk!"
They climbed back into the car and Kaoru felt horrible for putting Kenshin through such an ordeal. She glanced at the time on the dash, 2:43 pm. They'd been there for a few hours and at the last possible moment she'd ruined the entire day. "I wouldn't be surprised if he just drops me back home". She continued to brood as he drove.
He reached over and held her hand while driving. She was completely surprised and elated to feel his touch once again and find he really wasn't upset with her.
"Why are you so quiet?" he asked her.
"I…I thought you were mad or something" she meekly replied.
"What? Why would I be mad at you?"
"Well I ruined the day by getting all down on myself again. I, I'm sorry."
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently, "You don't have to apologize".
She was utterly confused at his words. "So if he's not mad, then why did he want to leave the fair? And where are we going now?"
"Kenshin, where…"
"Where are we going? I know, I know! You want to know as usual. Well just sit tight. I'm going to take you somewhere where you should've gone already" he interrupted her.
She sat quietly in her seat as he drove. The fair was left far behind them and she noticed more office style buildings all around them now after they took another exit off the highway. He continued to drive and made small talk with her, but still gave no indication of where they were headed.
Finally, she figured it out as she saw the large building piercing the afternoon sky. She spun her head towards him, "THE HOSPITAL!"
"What is he thinking? Why…why did he bring me here? Argh, he can't be serious, can he?
"Kenshin! What…what is this…I'm not doing this…" she was frantic.
He continued to drive and pulled into the visitor's parking lot. After turning off the engine, he turned to face her. "Kaoru, you're not gonna' feel better unless you see him. Just go and visit him. I'll be right there."
"You'll be right there? Are you insane!" she was delirious with anger, nervousness and frustration.
"Well not RIGHT there, but I'll wait right outside while you meet with him, unless you want me to meet him too. Come on."
"NO! I…I want to go home Kenshin!" she was beyond angry.
Instead of arguing further, he simply turned off the car. Kaoru was shocked to see him exiting and turned her head around to see him standing up just behind the car outside. She was overcome with emotion and huffed a few times before finally getting out of the car as well.
She went around and stood in front of him. "Kenshin please! I, I can't do this. You don't understand what it's like for…" she stopped mid-sentence. "What am I saying? He knows exactly what it's like". Kaoru remembered him speaking about visiting his mother in the hospital numerous times.
Kenshin looked at her and smiled slightly, "Yes Kaoru, I do know what its like, which is exactly why I brought you here today". He held her face in his warm hands and continued, "If you don't make some sort of peace with him, you'll regret it for the rest of your life if something happens to him. I saw that in your eyes today: regret, guilt and a lot pain".
He leaned in and kissed her forehead, "Remember, I'm always right here".
She couldn't help the tears that silently flowed down her face. She looked up him through teary eyes, "Why Kenshin? Why are you doing this for me?"
He seemed shocked at her question, "Wh-What do you mean why? I've never felt like this about anyone else ever before. And I already told you that you mean so much to me. I know what you're going through right now and I want to be here for you".
Kaoru was touched by his words. He sounded hurt at first by her questioning, but he was adamant to make her believe in him. Everything he said came through to her so clearly and she finally began to believe that he honestly didn't pity her.
"Thank you" she softly said as he wiped away her tears.
He smiled warmly at her and took her hand, "Come on".
They walked into the hospital lobby and her heart thumped louder. Nervousness and fear took hold of her and she wondered what to say to her father. "Dad, what do I say? Kenshin is here too, what if he sees him? How will I explain that? I don't know if I can do this…"
Just then she felt Kenshin squeeze her hand gently and she looked up at him. His touch was gentle yet reassuring and she found herself at ease somewhat. He'd been through this already and knew what it was like. She trusted him and now he wanted her to trust him even more.
He smiled at her and they walked up the front desk receptionist, "Hi, I'm visiting my dad please".
END CHAPTER 14
Hi all! Thanks for the wonderful reviews and for answering my question. You guys put all my worries to rest! Smooches for that!
So this chappy was a bit longer than usual. I wanted to give you guys something to read after not updating for a few days. Sorry about that, but it's been hectic. Anyhow so in this chapter we saw how free Kaoru felt while her father wasn't home. Don't get me wrong though, obviously she was still worried about him. But you know, she needed a small escape from the normally crap in her life! I loved the part where she broke the long-stemmed rose! LMAO! Okay, so I did do that, and I can't tell you how hurt he looked. He goes, "damn that's what I get for spending almost $15 on a single rose!" LOL…he was joking though. But that was priceless, as well as the whole going to the hospital bit! Hehe
Also, I'm not sure if you guys will consider this chappy a bit of filler, I certainly hope not. Just as usual I wanted the story to progress at somewhat of a believable pace. We started out with her juggling the fact that she was completely happy with Kenshin but didn't want to hide it from her parents. Of course that guilt will come full circle soon enough. It's only been a week since they've been together.
So now Kenshin is pushing her to go see her pops in the hospital. Stay tuned for the next chappy. Will Kaoru's dad see Kenshin? What will happen? Insert dramatic sound effects here
Hehe, so continue to review. You guys are my inspiration!
Arrigato, much love to all of you!
