A/N - I promised I would try to get this update out and yay! I succeeded! Now, I hope you enjoy it! :) Give me your thoughts! Love to you all! I don't own these characters.
Chapter 11 - Drop Anchor
Daughter? Had she heard Yumi correctly? Sachiko searched Yumi's eyes for an answer to her unspoken onslaught of questions, but by the look in her eyes Sachiko could tell no answers would be forthcoming and she didn't dare inquire in front of the child. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Sachiko looked at the beautiful little girl now shyly peaking at her from around Yumi.
Slowly, Sachiko knelt in front of the little girl, all the while studying her tiny adorable face. "Hi, Rory, it's nice to meet you."
Shyly, Rory tucked her little face into Yumi's neck, only sneaking a peak at Sachiko every few seconds. With an apologetic smile, Yumi shook her head. "She's iffy around strangers, but stick around long enough and she'll talk your ear off."
"I will not, mama." Indignant about the accusation, little Rory grabbed Yumi's face between her tiny hands and turned Yumi to look at her very serious face. "I talk to you all the time, mama, and you still have your ears. See?" As if to demonstrate, Rory pulled on Yumi's ear.
Chuckling at her daughter's antics, Yumi shook her head. "Mamas are immune to ears falling off. We need them to keep track of all your mischief!" With hands moving gently, Yumi tickled the now squealing Rory.
Rory writhed in Yumi's arms, giggling as Yumi tickled her sides. "Stop, mama! Stop!"
Stopping her tickling, Yumi scooped Rory up and spun her around, sending the little girl into another fit of laughter. She ended by stopping and pulling Rory close to her and hugging her tight. "I missed you, Rory."
Rory, still giggling, kissed Yumi on her cheek and wrapped her little arms around Yumi's neck. "Missed you too, mama!"
"Does your own mother warrant a spin around the dock like that?" Sachiko looked up to see a woman a bit shorter than Yumi, dressed in khaki capris, a coral tank, and a sun hat with a wide brim heading their way; Yumi's mother.
Setting Rory by Sachiko's side, Yumi bounded a few steps to wrap her arms around her mother and lifted and spun her around just as she had done with Rory, dislodging her hat as they spun.
With a shriek of surprise and a laugh, Yumi's mother slapped Yumi on her back. "Yumi, let me down right this instant!"
"Oh, come on mom, you literally asked for it." Yumi spun her once more and set her down, smiling down at her mother.
"I did, but when will you learn to tell if I"m joking?" Despite her words, Miki Fukuzawa looked anything but upset with her broad grin as she cupped Yumi's face in her hands. "Oh, look at these dark circles. Yumi-chan, have you not been sleeping?"
"Stop your fussing, mom. We were a little too busy rescuing our aquatic friend here to get proper rest." Yumi motioned to the dolphin who still waited aboard Artemis.
"Is that the dolphy, mama?" Rory, who now clung to Yumi's leg, bounced up and down pointing at Andi excitedly.
"Yep!" Twisting at the waist, Yumi gripped Rory under the arms and pulled her into her arms. "That's Andi."
Concern soon replaced Rory's excitement as she finally got a good look at their new friend. "Is Andi hurted, mama?"
"Yeah," Yumi responded with a soft, sad voice, easily conveying to Rory how bad the situation was without worrying the child too much. Sachiko was instantly floored by how perceptive Yumi appeared to be with her daughter. Instantly, the harder butch attitude Sachiko had become accustomed to over the past week seemed to fade away, only to be replaced by a tenderness unmatched even by the Yumi Sachiko had known in their youth. In short, Yumi seemed to be a natural with this child and that simple fact threw Sachiko for a loop before she even realized it.
The way Yumi cradled little Rory in her arms, like a treasure to be protected and cherished, had Sachiko's heart in convulsions, a feeling in and of itself that had her more than confused. Was she touched by this change? Maybe jealous of what Rory represented? Or was this something else?
Before she could figure out how she actually felt she was brought back to the moment when she heard Yumi speaking once more to her mother. "-you all go on back to the house. We'll catch up as soon as we get Andi settled in the cove." It was only because of Yumi's arm motioning toward her that Sachiko realized she was being talked about.
"Huh?" Confused as to what was being planned, Sachiko stepped closer. "Yumi, am I not going to help get Andi settled too?" She had so many questions for Yumi. Forefront in her mind was Rory. All things Rory!
"No, mama, you can't go!" Rory's tiny voice spoke at the same time, sounding sulky and miffed that her mama would even think to leave her again so soon.
Addressing Sachiko first, Yumi shook her head. "No, you'll go back to the house with my mother and Rory." She lifted her hand staving off the argument she knew Sachiko would start. "Please, Sachiko, this has been a long journey for me. Besides, I have a whole team of people who have done this sort of thing before. I'll go get this done and be back in time for dinner." As if still sensing that Sachiko would try to argue, she made sure to catch her eye and allowed her gaze to soften slightly. "Please."
That look- those tired eyes, the silently pleading for her to wait - kept Sachiko from saying any more. Closing her mouth, she nodded, hoping that the look in her eyes conveyed the message that she wanted to speak to her as soon as possible. Yumi, however, gave no sign that she noticed the gesture, instead turning immediately to Zahra who had quietly come to their sides. Sachiko, however, missed their exchange, as Courtney's country draw overshadowed their soft voices.
"Stop gawking all ye nosy hens!" C's voice sounded from the deck of Artemis, calling the attention of the gathered crowd. "All y'all who are here to help this poor critter into its new home, jump on board. The rest of ye lot, clear out! Yumi will be unavailable until the morning, ye hear?" There was a threat in those words that matched the glare Courtney shot all of those who stayed behind. "She is plum tuckered out so once we finish this the main house is off limits. Give her time with her family before ye overwhelm her."
"You just want her all to yourself!" Came a teasing voice from the crowd.
"Yeah, come party with us, Yumi." This voice was sultry and implied far more than the words alone did. Unthinkingly, Sachiko found herself trying to spot exactly who had spoken.
Snorting at the comment, C waved it away. "I got y'all beat anyway. Why would she wanna converse with the likes of you when she has unencumbered access to all this?" Striking what would have been a sexy runway pose for any other woman her height, Courtney just looked… endearing, Sachiko concluded. Though the crowd's comments had Sachiko a bit confused and out of sorts, she could appreciate how C handled it for Yumi. The truth was, Yumi was exhausted. No matter how tired Sachiko was, she knew Yumi had gotten far less sleep and did far more work than she had, plus she had been traveling for weeks before Sachiko had even come aboard.
Though every bit of her wanted to keep Yumi close, especially with the crowd of women standing around them, Sachiko knew the best thing for Yumi would be to finish their mission to get Andi settled and then get some much-deserved rest. So, swallowing her uncertainty and insecurity, Sachiko turned back to Yumi and nodded. "Okay, but-" Her voice dropped to a whisper as she stepped closer to Yumi. "please, hurry?"
Yumi's chocolate eyes studied her for a moment, almost as though her gaze delved deep beneath the surface to see exactly the thoughts that had Sachiko uneasy. Finally, Yumi merely nodded and turned her attention back to Rory. "Okay, my little sea lion, mama has to go-" Rory's protests started with a whimper and a sheen of tears in her eyes. "Hey, hey - None of that, okay? I'm not going anywhere. Do you have your watch?"
Rory nodded and lifted her little wrist to show a baby blue watch that seemed far too big for her small wrist.
"Good! Now, when this number shows 6:45 I should be home, okay?" Yumi smiled at her and when Rory nodded and flung her arms around Yumi's neck, Yumi laughed. A laugh so free and unencumbered by negativity and stress - Sachiko stood staring in shock at yet another transformation brought about by Yumi's adorable daughter.
With the promised time of arrival, Rory didn't fight it when Yumi passed her back to Miki. Looking back to Sachiko, Yumi thumbed over her shoulder toward her mother's retreating back. "Go with them. Zahra," She turned to the stunning beauty standing by their sides, Sachiko's bags in hand. When had she disappeared to get those? "Would you take Ms. Ogasawara to the main house? We'll put her up in the benefactor's suite for now."
Wanting to avoid all pretenses of formalities, Sachiko shook her head. "Please, it's simply Sachiko." She held out her hand, which Zahra shook with a soft smile.
She bowed her head in acknowledgment and spoke, her voice sounding melodic in its utterance of the English language. "The pleasure is mine, Sachiko. Welcome to Saorsa."
"Thank you, and Yumi," She turned to face Yumi who was already distracted by their efforts to get underway again. "I really don't need anything as extravagant as a suite. A simple room will do."
Yumi looked as though she were going to protest, but then, to Sachiko's surprise, didn't. "Okay then, Zahra, please set her up in one of the free rooms." With a smile at her friend she added, "I appreciate you."
Zahra's glowing smile conveyed exactly what those words meant to the younger woman. "And I you."
With a nod, Yumi was off and Sachiko was left to wonder at the exchange. What exactly was Yumi up to on this island seemingly filled with women who craved her attention?
As Yumi and her fellow scientists departed to take Andi to the cove where they had created a protected portion for Andi's recovery, Sachiko found herself staring after them feeling more than a little bit lost. Being parted from Yumi for the first time in two weeks felt like a dagger to the heart, much as it had felt seven years ago when Yumi had first walked away from her. Only this time it was different, it was only temporary. Sachiko knew that, but convincing her heart was another thing entirely. So focused was she on the departing boat that when a soft hand landed on her forearm, Sachiko jumped nearly out of her skin. Turning to meet a set of amused hazel eyes staring back at her.
Sachiko had seen beautiful people before- people with perfect skin tone, smooth and supple and begging for a caress, people with eyes perfectly shaped and with the most enticing colors, and people with hair that looked so soft, sleek, and healthy that Sachiko had nearly broken with decorum and reached out for a touch. Zahra, however, was unlike any woman she had ever seen before. Her olive complexion looked flawless with no sign of makeup to enhance her already gorgeous features. Long, rich, dark flowing locks of hair cascaded around Zahra's face and shoulders, lending a wild grace to the exotic beauty before her. Hazel eyes that flashed green in the fading sun danced with laughter as she eyed Sachiko closely. "Do not worry, Sachiko, Yumi will return shortly." Stepping to the side, Zahra pointed down the dock toward a small port town that Sachiko had not even noticed. "We will go back to the house and get you settled before dinner. Just follow Miki."
Miki and Rory had nearly made it to the end of the pier before Sachiko tore herself away from the sight of the Artemis and followed. Reaching out, she smiled apologetically at Zahra. "Here, I can take those." She motioned to the bags she carried.
With a gracious smile, Zahra offered up only one of the bags. "We will share the burden. It is no short walk to the main house from here."
Confused, Sachiko looked toward the shore again. "So, Yumi doesn't live in town?"
Continuing down the pier, Zahra shook her head. "The main house was built beyond the town's edge. Many in the co-op decided to take the existing structures and renovate them to fit their needs." She pointed to the main buildings that hugged the coastline and the ridges of the nearby hills. Many looked relatively new while others appeared to have walls constructed of corrugated steel, much like a shipping container.
"Are all of these buildings homes?" Sachiko asked curiously once she spotted one small structure in particular that looked no bigger than a shack.
Her smile never wavering in its sincerity, Zahra shook her head. "Some, yes, but not all. Some of the structures were not fit to be permanent residences. Those were turned into laboratories or other work-dedicated spaces. There is one larger building near the east side of time, more in-land, that Yumi had converted to fully renovated and functioning apartments. Some share, some have their own, and still, others have found other accommodations. Some members of the co-op even decided to build their own modern homes on the island. These were all built a distance from the coast. The furthest one sits on the west end of the island atop a sheer cliff. The view is quite spectacular, especially at sunset."
Sachiko was so distracted by the sights and Zahra's deep, rich accented voice that she nearly missed a key piece of information. "Wait, Yumi converted the building?" Zahra nodded, neither slowing nor stopping to wait for Sachiko.
Moving to catch up, Sachiko shook her head, not quite understanding. "Why would Yumi do that though? Why wouldn't the co-op take responsibility for that?"
Zahra did stop at that and turned to study Sachiko closely before nodding her head. "Why indeed?"
If Sachiko was expecting more of an explanation, she was sorely mistaken as Zahra turned and continued her trek through the winding streets of the town. Sachiko wanted to ask more, to get clear answers, but she intuitively knew she would get no information from Zahra. At least, not the information she craved. Information about Yumi and the type of woman she was on this island, in her home. Artemis seemed to be her home away from home, but that wasn't the same and Sachiko knew it.
Despite her interest in finding out more about Yumi, Sachiko had to smile at how quaint the small town, or village, appeared to be. Many pathways were nothing but cobblestone, looking worn and weathered. Some of the buildings appeared to be cottages from an era long past. Here and there, scattered sometimes haphazardly between elements of the past, were aspects of the present such as research equipment, boating equipment, and items that if asked Sachiko would have guessed were actually from the future. Elements from different cultures spotted the landscape of the town as well, only lending to the inclusive vibe of the town. Altogether it painted quite the eclectic image and had Sachiko enthralled within minutes. If she wasn't afraid of getting lost in the winding streets, she would have been tempted to explore for a while. However, she was nervous about that, so despite craning her neck to see as much as she could from the path, she stuck close to Zahra's side.
It was a good ten minutes after they left the town, where the path had turned to sand and the forest had risen up around them, that they suddenly came upon a large sprawling house. It wasn't a mansion by the Ogasawara family standards, but it was indeed large and beautifully designed.
Having noticed Sachiko's admiration, Zahra nodded toward the house and offered a small tidbit of information. "Mr. Fukuzawa designed it."
Sachiko nodded as she studied the elegant design. Natural stone made up the base of the building, while natural hewn logs extended up the rest of the building's exterior. Large windows spotted the exterior, making Sachiko think of how beautifully bright and airy the home must feel. The porch was broad, with rocking chairs and a love seat surrounding a small built-in fire pit. Everything, save the fire pit, made of polished wood, was obviously designed to look warm and inviting. Above the door, the eaves appeared to be hand carved with Kanji symbols for family and friends. Absently, Sachiko wondered in which category, if either, she fell.
After an extended silence, she looked at Zahra with a genuine smile. "It looks like it was designed with the love of a father."
Zahra agreed with a vigorous nod. "He is very proud of his daughter. He would have come and built it himself, but Yumi refused to allow him to take a break from his contracts in the US in order to come out here. She hired his crew but insisted he had more important builds he needed to focus on. Even still," She pointed toward the eaves. "He carved that himself."
It was truly unbelievable to Sachiko; to have such loving and dedicated parents that would make such sacrifices. Yumi's father had been willing to let his business suffer to build this house for her. And her mother was here! If Sachiko had to guess, Miki was making a sacrifice herself to be here for Yumi and Rory.
Rory? Sachiko shook her head at the thought of the little girl that had suddenly changed everything back on that dock. Yumi was a mother… A mother!? How? Why? When?
Questions raced through Sachiko's tired mind, trying to piece together when Yumi might have had a child, but she still didn't have a clear enough view of Yumi's life these past seven years to make a confident guess. She was about to turn and ask Zahra for more information when the front door jerked open with a suddenness that had Sachiko backing up a step and nearly tumbling down the porch steps.
Miki Fukuzawa, looking strung tight, stood as if barring the entrance and glaring at Sachiko. Being the object of her suffocating glare, Sachiko couldn't help swallowing hard as her anxiety grew. It appeared Miki was not happy to see her. Not in the slightest.
Sensing the tension and the obvious need to talk, Zahra reached out and relieved Sachiko of her burden. With both bags in hand, Zahra motioned toward the door. "I will go get your room set up. I will leave you in Miki's care for now." With that, the olive-skinned beauty disappeared, leaving Sachiko facing a very short and obviously angry woman.
Bowing her head in a sign of respect, Sachiko tried to smile, despite the feeling of hostility coming from Miki. "It is so good to see you again, Auntie."
With a shake of her head and a sharp wave of her hand, Miki spoke, her voice tight with anger. "You will call me Miki like all the rest."
"If you insist, Miki."
When Miki didn't speak further, Sachiko began to wonder if she was expected to follow Zahra into the house or whether Miki was waiting for her to speak. Just when she had opened her mouth to speak again, Miki spoke. Or rather, she growled.
"Why are you here, Ogasawara?" Her glare was far more pronounced now and she spoke Sachiko's family name as if it were a curse.
Taken aback by this reception, Sachiko wasn't certain what she should say. "Uh, I-I came to see Yumi." Such a simple answer could never describe her purposes in full, but what could she say to Miki? Hi, I'm back after ignoring your daughter's existence for seven years in hopes that she'll take me back, complete me, and make sweet love to me as no woman ever has before. Inwardly, Sachiko blushed and shook her wayward thoughts back into submission.
"You have seen her. Now, I think you should go." By the fire in her weathered gaze, Sachiko knew she wasn't joking.
Choosing to remain silent for a time, Sachiko studied the face of the mother before her. Of course, Miki, the loving mother that she is, would hate Sachiko for having hurt Yumi so devastatingly all those years before. Of course, she would demand she leave. She didn't want her child to be hurt again. Only, Yumi was no child now and Sachiko couldn't find enough guilt left in herself to urge herself back down the path they had just walked.
"Miki, would you mind if we sit and talk for a moment?" Sachiko motioned toward the rocking chairs and, though she was visibly reluctant, Miki finally nodded her consent.
They sat for only a few moments before Sachiko began to speak. "You are a woman who strongly values the traditions of family, are you not?"
Nodding proudly, Miki agreed, as if begging Sachiko to disagree. "Of course."
"So is my mother and my father." Sachiko itched to fiddle with her hair and look away, but she forced herself to maintain eye contact with Miki. "They had plans for my life that I never wanted. Did Yumi explain that part to you?"
Waving Sachiko off, Miki nodded. "Yes, yes. She explained that they wanted you to marry this boy - the odd one that always followed Yuki, right? - so that he could run their precious company." She rolled her eyes. "I do understand family honor and traditions, but honestly, that never sat right with me."
"Nor I." Sachiko shook her head. "So, you understand the position I was in being forced to choose between my family and my heart?" Unexpectedly, Sachiko felt the painful prick of tears behind her eyes, and her voice was thick as she spoke. "You understand the struggle I went through, trying to do what they wanted?"
As if her hard exterior couldn't take the onslaught of Sachiko's tears, Miki's demeanor softened slightly and her weathered hand found its way to Sachiko's knee. Nodding and patted her, "I do."
Before Miki could say more, Sachiko continued, this time capturing Miki's hand in her own as she spoke. "Then you can understand why I had to do what I did. But, Miki, please know that I have spent all these years getting Suguru to the point where he no longer needed the illusion of our marriage to maintain control of the company for my father."
Confused, Miki's head cocked to the side just a bit. "What do you mean, illusion?"
With a shuddering breath, she explained the facade of a marriage she had lived in for seven years and why she had sacrificed her own desires for the good of her family's business. When she was done, Miki was silently staring off toward the sea on the horizon. Long minutes passed in silence before Miki's hand tightened on hers for the barest of moments and then released her.
"Thank you for explaining, Sachiko. It does help to understand what you were going through. I am sorry you had to sacrifice so many years for your family's company." She shook her head as if disgusted. "No child should have to sacrifice for their parents like that. Not until the sun is setting on their parents' lives should such a sacrifice be asked for. However," Her clear, piercing gaze struck Sachiko yet again. This time she was not glaring, but it was obvious that she was still not happy with Sachiko being there. "Despite everything, I still heard no excuse for why you treated Yumi horribly. Surely you knew her feelings for you even then. Did you not?"
Swallowing hard, Sachiko cast her gaze to the boards beneath her feet and nodded. "It was never stated openly but I would be lying if I said I didn't know."
"Yet, you take her to get a dress and without even explaining expect her to stand for you at the wedding?" Miki scoffed and stood. "Such selfishness is not easily forgiven. Yumi may forgive you, but some of those who love her may not be as accepting as she is."
"I know I screwed everything up. I should have been honest with her about… about everything. Part of me just hoped and maybe even expected her to go along as she usually did. Never did I want her gone from my side."
"In the end, you managed to achieve the exact opposite with your stunt."
As Miki's observation was painfully astute, Sachiko nodded. "I've come seeking Yumi's forgiveness. I made a mistake."
Narrowed eyes bore into her until Sachiko felt as though Miki could sense the very beat of her heart through the intensity of her stare. Finally, Miki stood and shook her head. "I'm sorry, Sachiko. I understand what you were going through, but I had to watch as my daughter barely lived through the aftermath of your mistake. Do you realize that? What you did, she nearly k-"
"Mother, that's enough!" Suddenly, Yumi was there, eyes lit with anger so intense that Sachiko was momentarily scared before she realized the look was measured at Miki.
"Yumi, she should know all that she has to repent for." Miki didn't look as though she were going to back down anytime soon. That is until Yumi stepped to her side and rested her hands on her mother's shoulders.
"I love that you care so deeply for me, mom. You are my rock. But I'm not so fragile anymore. I can handle this. Trust me." Her hands rubbed gently along Miki's arms, slowly taming the beast that had been chomping at the bit to make sure Sachiko knew all that she was responsible for.
Leaning her head forward, Yumi met Miki partway, resting their foreheads together. "Alright, darling. If you are certain. What about Rory?"
"I've got that too."
"Alright." Turning toward the door, Miki took only a moment to speak to Sachiko before slipping inside. "If Yumi is welcoming you, then I will not fight it, but I warn you, Ogasawara Sachiko - Don't you dare hurt my baby again."
A/N - :) I love mothers in my stories, can you tell? It may not be a special day of celebration, but we don't need one in order to be grateful. Thank you to all you mothers who fight for their children daily. You make a difference every single day!
