Kaleido Star and it's characters belong to Gonzo and Jun'ichi Sato.
The dinner at the Robbins was going well. Sora heart was lighter and she could enjoy her hosts company despite their awkward attempts to praise Ken. Actually she enjoyed to hear stories about Ken 's childhood.
Ken on the other hand wished he could hide himself somewhere or become invisible. "Please mom!"
"Come on Ken! Sora doesn't seem to mind, does she?" Martha asked with a mischievous smile.
Sora felt parted. "Hum...If Ken is bothered by it."
"Fine. Let's talk about the future then." Martha started.
"Yes a brighter future." Ralph added with a wide smile.
"Yeah. Do you have someone new in mind Sora?" Lucy asked with no warning.
"Well." Thanks to her conversation this afternoon with Layla she was more confident and less stressful about the truth. "Actually yes. I'm in love since a long time. And I'm happy with that person."
Ken frown a little. Did she intend to-?
The rest of the Robbins family on the other hand lost their smiles. Unless Ken forgot to tell them the news.
"You mean you're already in a relationship?" Martha asked less hopeful from earlier.
"Yes!" Sora answered with a bright smile unaware of her hosts state. "Layla and I are together since July."
Observing the Robbins reaction was quite eventful. Ken opened and closed his mouth several times. Lucy eyes threatened to leave their orbit. Ralph took off his glass bewildered. But Martha reaction was the most intriguing. She didn't seem surprised. More angry.
"I knew it. I knew this woman was a bad influence! Those rich people think they can have all sort of experiment before settling down."
"What?!" Sora was the surprised one. "No! Layla and I are in love. She loves me!"
"No! She doesn't love you! She will live you as soon as she get tired of you! Please don't let her ruin you!" Martha put her fist on the table with strength startling everyone.
"Mom!"
"Martha!"
Sora on the other hand stayed silent. She stood up quietly and made a slight bow. "Thanks for the invitation but I think it's time to go home." She stated while leaving the house followed by Ken.
"We'll talk later." He said before closing the door.
"Wow!" Lucy exclaimed. "Miss Layla and Sora a couple! That's so cool! When my friends l-"
"Shut your mouth!" Her mother shout.
"Martha…"
"You too!" Her anger was still palpable.
Ralph sighed loudly putting back his glasses. "Martha just let it go. She doesn't see him as a potential lover. She prefers to be with a woman." He said trying to reason his wife.
"So what! We should just give up! I won't let my son's happiness being taken away by a filthy lesbian!"
"Your son didn't seem surprised by Sora news." Her husband noticed.
"Yeah. Dad is right. Ken knew it already."
Martha Robbins sat back slowly and defeated. "Why…".
When he left Sora at her building Ken assured her he'll talk to his family especially his mother. "Don't worry. When they''ll know the truth they'll understand why you had to lie." At least he hoped so.
Inside her flat Sora was welcomed with an unusual sight. Layla was on the living room sitting on the table and working on her Macintosh. "I didn't know you wore glasses?" She asked while sitting on Layla's laps.
Layla took off her glasses before speaking. She looked at her girlfriend knowing something happened. "Only when I work with a computer. It's not even 8 p.m. Was the food so bad?"
Sora sighed heavily before she answered. "Ken's mother thinks I'm just an experiment for you before you settle with a man." The Japanese girl turned away while talking. She was ashamed but Martha put some doubts in her mind.
But Layla just laughed and whispered in her Sora's ears. "Well I hope this experiment never end."
"Oh Layla!" Sora put her head on Layla's neck to tighten their hold.
They stayed in this position for a moment before Sora spoke. "Maybe we should wait a little time before saying the truth to Kalos."
"As you wish." Layla answered. "You know it's not too late. How about a nice comedy in a movie theatre?" Layla suggest.
Sora eyes suddenly got brighter while staring at her girlfriend. "Is it a date?"
"Well. It's just a movie, some popcorn and a make-out session if I'm lucky." Layla said ironically.
"I can't guarantee the sex." Sora replied.
"Are you playing it hard to get?" Layla asked while preventing Sora to get up.
Sora just laughed happily.
In the house next door Midori had an unpleasant conversation with Martha Robbins. So Sora finally said the truth she thought while hanging up the phone. She looked at her husband who stayed silent during their talk. "You won't say anything?"
Chikara Naegino was quite tired of his work day and dealing with those kind of troubles wasn't in his plans for today. "You took the best decision. We can't celebrate Yume's birthday with them tomorrow. But Martha need time to grieve. Our two families won't be reunited that way. Sora is too bewitched by that woman."
"Layla."
"What?"
"Her name is Layla." Midori explained.
"Yeah. Yeah." After that he decided watching TV was more beneficial.
Midori sighed loudly. She hoped her husband was right and time will heal Martha's wounds.
Thursday morning, Ken was watching Sora training in the gym room. She was working her legs who need to be reinforced after the incident. Rosetta was there too with May who help her to raise weights with her arms. He was quite surprised to see her in good mood. He on the other hand had to listen to his mother accusing him of giving up too easily. She suggested him to get closer until Sora and Layla break up inevitably.
He felt disgusted and wanted to throw up thinking about it again. Two months ago he thought the same when he believed Leon was his rival. He didn't want to be that guy again. Yet being friend again with Sora could only make him hope again. Why was he so weak? Sora was clearly happy with Layla. But if there is a slight chance she's not he thought. No. No. Don't think like that Ken he said to himself.
"Ken! Ken?"
"Hey Blondie!" May shout loudly not missing the chance to hit Ken on the head.
"Ouch! Why did-"
"We call you several times!" Justified Rosetta.
"Oh. Oh. Sorry I was elsewhere." He explained hoping no-one would ask where.
"Are you alright Ken?" Inquired a worried Sora.
He stared at her with lovely eyes and a serene smile. "Yes. Yes. I'm fine. Thanks for your concern."
"How was it yesterday?" She asked.
"What happened yesterday?" May demanded.
"Hum. My parents learn the truth about Layla and Sora." He reported a little ashamed.
"I guess they didn't take it well. But as far as they concern- Well actually it's none of their concern." Said a snarky Rosetta.
"She's right." May added.
Sora wasn't concerned about Ken family but Ken himself. "How are you Ken?" She asked again.
He couldn't lie again. "I just hope time will help but maybe It's better if I move on."
Sora was astonished. "I'm sorry Ken. It's all my fault."
"No. No. My mother is the one who make things difficult. And I'm twenty-two. It's time to live on my own." He didn't want Sora to blame herself for his family issues.
"Maybe you'll finally be able to catch some girls with your own flat. No girl would want a guy who lives with his parents." May advised him half jokingly half seriously.
"Really?" He sincerely didn't thought it was a handicap.
"Yes!" Rosetta confirmed.
He then turned to Sora who could just confirmed it. "I guess they're right. I mean in a relationship being intimate is important and-"
"We don't need to know the details on how you perverted Layla mind." Interrupted May.
"Not just her mind." Sora whispered for herself.
"You said something."
"Nothing May."
"Humpf." The Chinese girl didn't like Sora new confidence since she dated Layla.
"Well. Can we ended it here Ken? I need to get prepared for Yume's birthday." Sora asked after her last effort.
"Yes. Don't forget your drink." He added while handed it to her.
"Thanks Ken. What will I do without you." She said with a warm smile before leaving.
"Ha!Ha!"
"Stop laughing like an idiot. You're still not the one she sleeps with."
"Wait!" Rosetta started. "You don't think Layla and Sora are- I mean- I know they kissed a lot and probably touching but-" The Belgian girl couldn't say the words.
Ken preferred to not think about it but as Sora trainer he could hardly miss the love bites all over her body. "I'm leaving." He said with a defeated face.
"You know Rosetta." May started.
"Yes?"
"For your sanity It's better to find a new interest. I mean someone. Someone not called Sora." May suggested.
"I'm not in l-"
"Oh please stop. Between you and Ken I'm not sure who's the most miserable. And I don't understand what all of you like about her. She's a good for nothing. She doesn't even know how to cook!"
"She's nice, cheerful, care about people and no one loves the stage more than her!" protested Rosetta.
May just smiled. "So you're not deny it anymore?"
"I-" Rosetta didn't know what to say.
May got closer and pat her head. "Like I said find someone else. Those two will never break up."
Rosetta eyes started to get wet as she realised her feelings. "But what if I can't find someone like her?"
May sighed and hold the girl in her arms. "You're fifteen. Don't be that dramatic!"
Rosetta sniffles in her shoulder. "l don't want to feel that way."
"No one does." She said more for herself.
Layla was leaving Hamilton Corporation with her father and Archibald. They were talking about the last meeting she unfortunately missed. Her father was still angry at her because of her carelessness. She had to apologize several times and made difficult promises Sora won't like.
"I told you I had an emergency. Can we drop it?!" She begged while they entered in the car.
"An emergency you said! Stop poking fun at your own father. Midori told me what kind of emergency it was!"
Layla lost her words. She didn't like that her father and Sora's mother were so good friends. It was like having a spy next door.
"You know living with in-law next door is not the best idea." Archibald said while closing the door.
"It wasn't my idea for sure." Layla replied.
"I advised you to speak with Sora as soon as tonight. Waiting won't be good." Her father tone was less angry but still demanding.
"Maybe tomorrow is a bet-"
"No tonight! Or you'll wait the last time and she'll be angry for good reasons." Richard knew he was hard on Layla while he promised to not get involved with her life. But they didn't have a lot a time. Once the lawyer calls it will be too late.
"Fine."
"Let's talk about unpleasant things another time. We arrive at the park. A nice family is waiting for us." Ajrchibald opened the door and quit the car with Richard and Layla following.
They found the Naeginos near the bumped cars. Sora and Yume were in the same car while their parents were watching them.
"What do you say Layla? The first to 10 can ask anything to the other?" Archibald proposed always ready to have some fun.
If Layla learn a thing from her father is to never bet anything you fear to loose. And they was no way she loses her pride in front of Sora's parents and her own father. "No thanks. I'll just watch."
"Your loss." He said jumping in a little car and already bumping Sora.
"Ouch! That's not fair!"
"There are no rules. Come at me if you can!" He replied laughing.
"Let's show him Yume!" Sora accepted the challenge even more so that Layla was watching her. But waving at her girlfriend was one big mistakes.
"Ha!Ha! 2 points! Your girlfriend needs some help Layla or she'll be my slave." Archibald grin was so wide it looked like the joker's one.
But attacking Sora was a bigger mistake. Before he could understand what happened Layla already jumped in car and bumped against loudly.
"What!?" He tried to turn and avoid her but Layla was faster and seemed to master the little car like a pro. He took three other bumps before being able to escape her trap.
They were now both at two sides of the playground. The other participants stopped unaware of their battle. Sora and Yume encouraged Layla while enjoying their ride. Finally long seconds, almost a minute, Layla made a manoeuvre that surprised Archibald. Instead of going straight she made several tours amongst the others participants. Following was harder and when he finally catch her it was too late. What a mistake he made by staying close to the wall! Now he was trapped and could only wait to be defeated while Layla was bumping against him several times.
"10." She simply said.
He could just laughed ironically. He looked for it after all.
After that Layla made some tours with Yume who had a lot of fun with each adult. Even Midori participated to the fun.
The atmosphere was joyful. They tried a lot of fun attractions. Layla also lost her coolness when she thought her father laughing with all his heart when Yume stole his candyflosss after hers fell. And for a few hours she didn't feel Chikara accusing stare.
They laughed at a clown show where Yume got balloon in rabbit form and end the day with the cable car. It was a favourite amongst the tourists. You could observe the entirety of the town from the highest hill and slowly descend to the beach to enjoy the sunset.
"So beautiful." Everyone shared Midori thought.
"And now the food and cake!" Archibald exclaimed happily.
Even Chikara could only laugh at his enthusiasm.
The dinner was a continuation of the afternoon happiness but it's when she had to blow her candles that Yume understood that today was special for her. And she made her biggest smile putting more joy in everyone's heart.
She mostly had new toys and new clothes but Richard's gift was the most useful.
"We can't accept that. It's too much." Chikara objected first.
"It's her gift not yours. That school is one of the best. If you care about your daughter future it's the best choice." Richard knew is gift would be too much but he really wanted Yume to go in the same school as Layla.
"Then we'll think about it." Midori stated sharing a glance with her husband.
"As you wish. I don't want to impose." He then looked at Archibald and took his vest. "It's time for us to go."
"Yes. Thanks for the meal and the invitation. Birthday aren't that fun is the Spencer family." He said taking Midori in embrace despite Chikara shocked face.
Layla and Sora wanted to follow after but Chikara wanted a last talk with Layla alone.
When inside their apartment Sora asked her what he wanted.
"The usual Sora. The usual." She said a little annoyed.
Sora approached her girlfriend for a hug and a kiss. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. You are not at fault." Layla whispered while trying to put a hand under Sora dress.
"No." Sora said as she stopped her.
"No?" Inquired a bewildered Layla.
Sora took Layla's hand and interlaced their fingers staring at her intensely. " I talk with the girls and we think It's better to not do anything until our trip to Vegas."
"Excuse me! Which girls should I kill?" Asked a really annoyed Layla.
Sora kept her smile despite Layla's anger growing. "I assure you it'll worth the wait."
"But we won't go in Vegas until the end of the month…"
"I know."
Layla sighed loudly scratching her hair and stared again at Sora with an annoyed face. " You still didn't give me a name?"
"It's doesn't matter it was my decision." Sora said firmly.
"Fine! Enjoy your lonely bed tonight!" Layla threw while leaving the house.
I wrote this chapter as an interlude. See you in two weeks for some actions.
Replies to guest review :
Lali: Thanks for your comment. I'm glad to read it was a fun chapter. See you soon.
Rose: Thanks for your review. It seems I succeed in making the chapter enjoyable. You'll see for the cabaret. There a crowd who seem to want it too. See you soon.
Ondine: Thanks for your review. As for Sora and the cabaret I hear everyone wishes. I understand the new challenge could be interesting for Sora and the readers. To tell the truth when the cabaret idea came in my mind I didn't thought Sora would gain so much confidence with her body. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the story.
Maya 8: Thanks for your nice comment. I'll try to update more frequently. I hear you and all the other reviewers about Sora and the cabaret. Of course if she leads on both I'll have to seriously work on a working schedule. But yes some reactions will be fun to write and hope fun to read.