Chapter 39: A beautiful daughter.
Tyson lied silently on the bed in the hospital's small ward, engulfed in the quietude. Two days passed. All he could hear was the beeps of the ECG somehow. He was tired seeing everything in his medium sized room. The realization that he has lost his title this year even without battling has hit him hard and he was perturbed quietly. He was lying here alone, no-one to come and ask him if he's okay, he couldn't even visit his Grandpa in his hospital, he wondered what he'd say if he came to know that he has lost his title just because he couldn't be there at the stadium at right time because he met with some accident at the eleventh hour in the course of saving some small strange girl? He sighed. He didn't disturb Hilary by telling her about what happened. He guessed that in the laments of Grandpa, she wouldn't remember about the Championships and wouldn't pester him for losing his title this year.
So many thoughts came to his mind. Everything came colliding over and over. Starting from Ashlene till his now condition and including everything in the midst from his friends, his Grandpa, his title, his present condition, his nihility, he just wished if he doesn't existed for some time.
The nurse came in and gave him his lunch. He was glad that he's not penny-less like he was a few years back and have enough to support for his financial expenditure for his survival in the hospital. Gladly, the nurses were amiable too. So he wasn't exactly very miserable. He had a hard time eating with his right hand only since his left hand was injured well; the ligament near his scapula was almost torn. After having his tummy satisfied, he gulped down the cold water and lied down. He lifted his phone and checked if there are any calls and like he thought he'd have any missed calls from Hilary, there wasn't any.
…
The next day, he was trying to use his left hand but he failed bitterly. The nurse scolded him for his attempt. He was getting frustrated and exasperated staying in this room and literally talking to hell like NO ONE since four days! He felt like he will start talking to himself soon if he didn't find anyone. He was disappointed when the Doctor told him that he needed to stay for more three days minimally.
"Mr. Granger, you've a visitor," The nurse told him. He was thinking of all the persons who would come to see him and it included strangely Hilary first and then his company colleagues. Obviously, though he has informed them about his accident, they might have come to check him.
"Hey," the feminine voice greeted him.
"Oh!" Tyson looked appalled a little, "You?" he asked,
"It's Ellie, you forgot my name?" Ellie asked.
"Y-yeah, I remember, how can I forget YOU? You're the one because of which I'm here right now," he said sarcastically,
"What do you mean?" she asked,
Tyson ignored, "So, what brings you here, Ellie?" he tried to be kind though he was clearly not interested in talking to this girl.
"Well, my mom had an important talk with one of the Doctors here, so I asked her to take me along as well, because I remembered that you're in the same hospital," Ellie said,
"Oh okay," Tyson nodded, "So, why were you standing there in the school front near those speeding cars?" Tyson asked,
"I was a little sub-conscious that time," Ellie said embarrassedly,
"I see, so you told your parents about this incident?" Tyson asked
"Y-Yeah, I said, but I didn't mention your name." Ellie chuckled nervously,
"Oh," Tyson was a little perplexed,
"Because my mom hates bladers and the sport… though I like it, so she doesn't even know currently that I'm meeting you right now. Because…if she knows that a world Champion saved me, she will probably never forgive me," Ellie said,
"Oh, I wonder how strange person your mom is; how can someone hate blading so much?" Tyson was feeling better since he was having some sort of conversation with someone, maybe his own little daughter whom he doesn't know right now, but still.
"Leave that," Ellie grunted, "Anyways, I bought some home-made rice balls for you. My aunt made it actually. Would like to have them?" She asked with sparkling blue eyes,
"Hey, thanks," Tyson gorged upon them, and she helped him seeing how his left hand was injured,
"So, are they nice?'' she asked,
"Of course," Tyson said as he was busily gorging upon the balls, "It's been ages since I ate home-made rice balls," he said,
"Aw, I'm glad you liked them. I will come to see you tomorrow," she said as she rose from the chair, "My mom will return anytime, bye!"
"Tomorrow?" he asked,
"Yeah, I will try. Is there something particular you'd like to eat?" she asked hurriedly,
"Anything tasty and home-made," Tyson said blinking,
"Okay, bye!" she trotted out and saw her mother searching for her. She quickly went near the water filter and pretended to drink some water until her mom saw her and they went out.
…
Tyson wasn't sure how to feel after his little rendezvous with Ellie. Ellie…sweet name. He smiled at the thought. He was like- Are there really such sweet persons still left in this world like Ellie, who would return a small unasked favor to you? Wow.
He was glad and a little contended that someone came and asked about him, about his wellbeing; his little deed of saving her and getting himself in this condition didn't go entirely in vain. Ellie is indeed a good girl.
He tried remembering the last time he met her and they had a battle. He could remember how he lost to her in front of everyone. He wasn't seething this time when he was thinking unlike the last time when it actually happened. Rather he smiled remembering how happy and joyous she was. Tyson laughed remembering how she called Maxie an uncle and Kenny, a spectacled boy. He controlled his laughter. He was just wishing if she could have stayed a little longer. Kenny wasn't cheating Tyson. He didn't leave Tyson, but he had to depart that day and no matter how abrupt it was, he'd to because of his parents who were asking him to shift since quite time and hed6been postponing because of the team. Though Kenny left a few hours before the est of the team did, he informed Tyson that he'd come back soon. He was going to another city where his parents had moved since sometime back. That hit Tyson hard and though he knew Kenny wasn't exactly leaving him, but still, he felt alone. Kenny's dad needed his help and he got hugely busy as days passed.
As for now, he was ardently waiting for tomorrow to come and wait to see Ellie. Till then, he tried closing his eyes and falling asleep.
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"Are you sure you want home-made Sushi?" Julia asked unsurely,
"Yeah yeah!" Ellie squealed,
"Fine, I will make it in the morning." Julia nodded and continued with other work.
Ellie went in her room silently and saw her mom combing hair. She looked around and found her bag pack. She kept a few things in it and started doing her home-work.
"Ellie, had your dinner?" Ashlene asked,
"Yeah, had it!" Ellie scribbled on her notes,
"Go and keep that pile of papers in the dustbin," Ashlene ordered. Ellie reluctantly got up and did the job.
She spent the rest of the time thinking about her probable meeting with Tyson.
…
Ellie woke up in the morning after she had a little terrible dream that Julia forgot to prepare Sushi and Ashlene caught Tyson and scolded both of them. Ellie looked like she'd a nightmare and she looked horrified. She wore her slippers frantically as soon as she got from her bed and rushed downstairs to check if Julia was awake or not. She heaved a relieved sigh when she peeped in the kitchen and saw her aunt working up.
Ellie went towards her room to get ready. She was unaware that Raul saw her little act. Raul decided to keep quiet and keep a silent eye on Ellie.
"Ellie, you dressed up?" Ashlene asked,
"Yep mom!" Ellie put on her school bag and came out for breakfast. Julia kept the lunch box in Ellie's bag and came to the table for breakfast.
"Ellie, I will drop you today," Raul said,
Julia and Ashlene looked at him, blinking.
"What?'' Raul asked looking at the two elder females.
"You aren't a morning person, so I was a little moved by your offering," Julia said,
"Well, I was just in the mood," Raul said,
"Thanks Raul, I appreciate but-"
"Ellie, hurry up!" Raul ignored Ashlene and Ellie followed Raul. Ashlene shook her head but ignored. Ashlene left a little late seeing there is no hurry.
…
"So, how's school going?" Raul asked as he drove the car,
"All good," Ellie smiled,
"Is William still pestering you?" Raul asked,
"Nope,"
"Sure?"
"Yeah,"
"Does anyone pester you anymore?" Raul asked urgently.
Ellie gave a look to Raul, "No… why?" she asked,
"Was just asking," Raul smiled and meanwhile they arrived at her school.
"Have a good day,"
"Bye!" Ellie waved a hand before she ran and joined Lily and others.
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Hilary called him today and Tyson has no balls to tell her anything. He just pretended that he was busy in his works and would talk her later. She didn't guess either so anything wasn't ignited yet.
Tyson was wondering if Ellie would come today. It was almost the time that normal schools got finished and he wondered if she got the chance to escape her mom and meet him. He sighed for the umpteenth time. He was completing "Game of Thrones" series most of the times as the pass time lying there but most of the times his battery died and he'd to wait for an hour for charging which seemed like eternity to him.
An hour more passed,
He turned on the other side and closed his eyes, why would a stranger come again to ask me? Who is Ellie to me anyway? I'm sure her mom had found out who saved her daughter and she must have been curious to kill me and beat the crap out of Ellie. Damn. Ow, God keep such mothers' hearts out of hate for Beyblade!
Suddenly, there was a tap on his shoulder and he turned softly to see the intruder.
"Hey," Ellie smiled,
"Whoa! You did come after all!" Tyson almost squealed in happiness, "I was actually waiting for you," his joys had no bounds,
"I told you I'd come," Ellie winked,
"Yeah. Came with your mom?" Tyson asked,
"Nope, my dad came to pick me and I lied him that one of my friends was sick, so I'd to meet her, so he dropped me. He's waiting outside, I don't have much time," Ellie said nervously,
"Wow!" Tyson laughed, "I used to lie to when I was a kid," Tyson laughed,
"Really?" Ellie beamed, "Anyways, I've brought home-made Sushi! For you, Tyson!" Ellie took out the tiffin box and handed him. He carefully took it and for some reason, his eyes filled with tears,
"Hey, are they bad?" Ellie asked worriedly as she noticed his brown eyes,
"Nope," Tyson shook his head, "You're such a clean-hearted, nice person, I'm really thankful to you. I'm indebted to you, Ellie," Tyson said,
"Hey, you saved my life. This is just a small helping," Ellie said, "Besides, I like your personality. I wasn't a big fan of yours, but slowly, I noticed that you really blade well, Tyson," Ellie said,
"Oh thanks, sweetheart," Tyson flushed,
"Hey, you noticed one thing," Ellie asked, "You and I have same colored hair!" Ellie was excited,
"Uh yeah, now that you've said, I didn't notice it earlier, but you're right," Tyson discerned her hair, "And the shade is also same" he mentioned,
"I really love to blade but with mom there, I don't think I can do it anytime," Ellie said sadly,
"Hey, don't be sad," Tyson consoled, "Uh, the sushi is tasty!" Tyson licked his lips,
"Thanks," Ellie said, "I will try to come the day after tomorrow. Because tomorrow is Sunday," Ellie said,
"Yeah, I will wait for you," Tyson said,
"Uh Tyson, where do you live; your home?" Ellie asked,
"Why?" Tyson raised an eyebrow,
"Because anytime, if I grow up and roam around, I will come to your place. Will you teach me blading?" Ellie asked nervously,
"Oh okay," Tyson gave a second thought, "You know Big Burgers?" Tyson asked,
"Yeah," Ellie nodded,
"Come straight in, and the seventh house is mine!" Tyson grinned,
"Alright," Ellie smiled, "I will see you later Tyson, he might be waiting," Ellie stood up to leave,
"Yeah sure, hurry up. Your dad might scold you otherwise," Tyson said,
"Y-yeah," Dad? No Tyson, he's not my dad but I really wish if I knew who my dad is, Tyson.
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"So, how's your friend?" Raul asked in the car,
"She's good, just had a bad fracture in leg," Ellie lied confidently,
"Hmm, had your lunch?" Raul asked. Ellie's heart skipped an unhealthy beat. "Yeah,"
Ellie didn't say anything for the rest of the ride and she was thinking if Raul found out, but he'd not have pretended and hid that from her if he knew. Ellie sighed fearfully inside. She was thinking what she should ask Julia to prepare for the next Monday to come. Tempura might be perfect.
Ellie smiled to herself as she finally found one dish in her mind.
"So, how's your friend?" Raul asked in the car,
"She's good, just had a bad fracture in leg," Ellie lied confidently,
"Hmm, had your lunch?" Raul asked. Ellie's heart skipped an unhealthy beat. "Yeah,"
Ellie didn't say anything for the rest of the ride and she was thinking if Raul found out, but he'd not have pretended and hid that from her if he knew. Ellie sighed fearfully inside. She was thinking what she should ask Julia to prepare for the next Monday to come. Tempura might be perfect.
Ellie smiled to herself as she finally found one dish in her mind.
…..
The weekend passed lazily and Ashlene was busy in her preparation for entrance tests. She went to training institute in morning hours for preparation. She didn't paid much attention to her daughter and seeing Ellie has nothing much to do, Raul's suspicion was almost subsiding. Ellie herself was bored. Julia took her to nearby park and they had some fun. Later in the evening, she requested Julia to prepare Tempura and she was relieved that Julia agreed without any question.
Raul caught her asking his sister though.
The next morning, Raul saw her being careful and focused about that little tiffin. He kept quiet. He thought to ask her in the car, on her way to school but Ashlene was quick to take Ellie with her. Raul sighed when he realized that he missed his chance.
…..
The school day ended and Ellie was still not sure how she would go and look up for Tyson. She was busy in thinking of some way when she saw William going in his car with his mom.
"Excuse me aunt," Ellie said,
The old lady peered out of the car's window, "What do you want now!" William screeched,
"William, be polite," his mom said,
"Can you please drop me to Tokyo's Hospital, I'd to look over at one of my friends there?" Ellie asked. She gulped down as she waited for the woman's reaction,
"Sure, but is there anyone to pick you?" she asked,
"My mom said she would be late and asked me to wait but…"
"Okay, I will drop you since I'm going that way, but I will need to talk to your mom first," she said. Ellie's face paled up. "S-Sure, but I don't remember her contact no. It's okay, I will wait up," Ellie said sheepishly and ran away. She was heck nervous. She looked after five minutes and the car was gone.
She was upset that she wouldn't be able to meet Tyson today. She really seemed sad about it with that defeated look on her face. Raul's car arrived in the next minute and Ellie sat in when Raul called her name.
Raul noticed how sad Ellie was being. He was a little curious for what was happening. He glanced at her and she looked regretful.
"Hey, what's wrong, Ell?" Raul asked.
"Nothing," Ellie said simply. She stared with that slumped look outside the window,
Raul kept quiet but he was really wondering what was wrong with her and he was worried as well.
"Uncle Raul," Ellie began, "Can we go to that hospital again, I want to see my friend once more?" Ellie asked and she just wished that he didn't question him. "Okay," Raul nodded. He didn't want to disturb an already perturbed Ellie,
No words were exchanged between the two and Raul drove quickly to the hospital. Again sensing that Ellie would be fine with him waiting outside rather than exactly following her, he waited in the hall.
Ellie walked through the corridor and entered Tyson's room with a smile. Her smile faded when she found the room empty and cleaned up.
"Excuse me," Ellie looked at the nurse who was here a few days back, "Where is Tyson Granger?" Ellie asked,
"He was discharged yesterday back from hospital," The nurse said and Ellie was quieted. She was very disappointed by the answer. "Okay," she said in dismay. Ellie stood there staring in the room and envisaging the person who was here a few days back.
…
"Excuse me; is there a small girl in that room, who had a fractured leg?" Raul inquired with an another nurse,
"In that room?" The nurse looked at exactly the room he was asking,
"Yeah,"
"No, there wasn't any small kid in there. Why?" The nurse said suspiciously.
"Then who is in there?" Raul asked,
"No one currently, but we can't reveal this detail to some stranger. Who are YOU by the way?" The nurse raised an eyebrow. Till Raul thought to lie up with something, Ellie returned and the nurse was gone.
"Met her?" Raul asked Ellie, curious to see if she lies,
"No…she got discharged a few days back," Ellie said and she wordlessly headed towards outside.
….
Ellie stared outside and was quiet. The summer wind was slowly dying. It was quite humid. She felt almost like crying. She waited for meeting since two days but unfortunately couldn't.
"Ellie, I know you're hiding something from me," Raul said,
"I'm not," she said blatantly,
"Ellie, I know, your face clearly says," Raul said in a gentle voice,
"I told you I'm not hiding anything," Ellie was willful,
"C'mon, you can share with me, you always can. You know it, I won't scold you," Raul urged,
"No, its nothing,"
"I know you're lying, Ellie. Trust me, you can share anything."
"Fine, I will tell. Promise you won't say it to anyone," Ellie said with sharp blue eyes,
"Promise," Raul glanced at her,
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Tyson woke late in the afternoon. The hot air breeze drove him crazy. He went downstairs with his stand slowly. He found it hard to stand for long time. Though he shouldn't be exactly climbing up but he had all his needs upstairs. He went to Grandpa's room and slept.
The dojo was dead in silent. The birds chirped outside in morning but lately, they disappeared too. The AC in the room gave him a fine sleep. He woke up a few hours later. Feeling bed-sick, he went in living room. He almost fell rotten. He carved a shower right now but he wasn't sure if he could manage it all by himself. He just wished if Daichi was there.
After killing time for an hour in the living room, he finally decided he'd at least try. He went in the bathroom downstairs itself which he seemed to have used ages ago since he always used the one in his room, and looked for the necessities.
He managed to warm up and wore fresh clothes. He could feel the smell of the hospital in his old clothes. He sprayed the air freshener and sat in, to order food from outside.
Tyson struggled the first day when he returned. It was all heck empty and his house looked like it has been closed since ages. He seemed to be used to this nihility. He was sure upset deeply, but he'd nothing he could do about it. He just waited for tomorrow, looking ahead for Hilary's arrival. He just hoped she would make him feel better at least. He had hope from her. Though Hilary has been away, she had become his best, one true loyal companion and friend. He smiled at the thought. She wasn't always there around him, but she made sure he was fine and tried reducing his pains and burdens.
After eating his food, he dumped the packs outside in dustbin and locked the door. He wasn't sure if he could get up again to lock it.
He felt lighter after the meals. The cool air in the small room of his Grandpa and the air freshener and his light body had a sedative effect on him. He felt like he could sleep again but he gave up the idea. His back has been aching like hell. He just wish if he would get well soon, so he could go to work at his company and get himself distracted. He needed recovery and health right now, the most.
He took out his blade and stared at it, Dragoon…
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"Okay, so you're not telling about this to anyone, especially mom," Ellie warned,
"I won't," Raul nodded, "You think Tyson is a nice person?" Raul asked. He still didn't reveal the little major detail about who Tyson Granger IS actually to her.
"Yeah, he's really a kind person, almost like me, little easy-going and jolly," Ellie smiled,
"So you like him?" Raul asked, a secret soft smile on his face,
"Of course," Ellie said cheerily,
"Hmm," Raul was quiet and he was just wondering how Ellie finally met her father. He'd not have hidden this fact from her but he didn't want to face an angry and furious Ashlene who herself didn't told her daughter about this yet.
"So, you guys talked about blading?" Raul asked,
"I asked his address, in case I get to his home; he said he will help me with blading," Ellie said excitedly,
"Wow!" Raul almost gasped,
"Yeah!"
"Who was with him when you visited?" Raul asked,
"Uhmn, literally no-one. He was bored so much. He waited for me the next day very much and he was very happy to see me. I think nobody came to see him," Ellie gave a second thought.
"Oh," Raul wondered why. He wasn't even aware about the Championships. He made a mental note to check about it later.
"Ellie, can I ask you for something?" Raul asked,
"Yeah," Ellie said subconsciously,
"Can you let your mom meet Tyson once?" Raul asked hopefully in a slow and clear tone,
"No way! Mom absolutely hates him! She hates beybladers and on the top of that, he's a champion!" Ellie squealed,
"Listen, your mom was a blader too when she was young. She even had a bitbeast of her own." Raul started. Ellie was listening attentively, "But during one battle, a bad guy, a blader killed her bitbeast and she was so upset with this loss that she began hating the sport and the bladers too," Raul explained. Raul had to lie because he can't tell her that Ash gave up blading after breaking up with Tyson, not because of loosing Fyrua, her bit beast.
"Are you serious?" Ellie was shocked, "Mom bladed at one time…hard to believe,"
"This is true. If you let her know that there are still bladers in the world who aren't cruel and save lives as well, she might change her mind and allow you to blade as well," Raul explained cautiously trying to convince her.
"Oh, I see," Ellie nodded, trying to understand, "But, I don't think mom will understand,"
"You should try once," Raul urged,
"I told mom that he saved me but I didn't say his name," Ellie confessed,
"Oh!" Raul blinked,
"Yeah,"
"Listen me Ellie, try once. You know his home as well. Just take your mom and show her, she will be happy to see that a blader saved your life," Raul smiled.
It's just one way to let her finally meet Tyson and clear their messed up feelings. Its best for both of them, and of course Ellie too. You've to make your parents meet Ell, you've to.
"Fine, tomorrow," Ellie agreed, "But you've to answer one question to me,"
"What?" Raul rolled his eyes,
"You love my mom, don't you?" Ellie asked, and unlike she thought him to be stunned or bewildered, he was calm and heaved a sigh,
"You'd not be asking me. You're too young to think about this, honestly," Raul said,
"Oh, I'm too young to do the task you've asked me to do so as well," Ellie said subtly,
Damn!
"Fine. It's nothing like what you think. Your mom is one of my good friends and nothing more than that." Raul said,
"Raul Uncle, you know who my father is, don't you?" Ellie asked looking down,
"I can't tell you, I promised Ashlene," Raul said clearly, "And besides your chance is gone. You asked me one question and I answered it. No other chance." Raul said,
"I wish I'd have been cautious in asking you," Ellie sighed regretfully,
And I'm glad you wasted your chance, Ellie because I can never face Ashlene by revealing this answer to you.
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"Yes Hils, I'm at home. You can come anytime. You're welcome," The blunette sighed as he spoke on the other line. Wishing greetings, he bid adieu,
He cleaned his room with his hemiplegic body, almost. He was getting tired living in the same messed up ambiance. He wanted to clean everything but he himself was restricted. He was wondering what the little blue haired girl is doing right now. He wondered if she came again to visit him at hospital and was greeted with his sudden absence. He didn't even know where she lived. He just wished, she'd come at his place one day. He sighed.
He just wished if she was his nephew or someone from his family, he would have such a good companion. Hilary was arriving soon and he still wasn't sure how he'd handle her revealing storms of news to her.
Thinking various things, and vacuuming at the same time, he somewhat slipped and had his left arm hurt a little, however the infliction was quite amplified. He hitched in pain and sat for some while.
A/N: Hey everyone!
How are ya all! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! Yes, Ashlene meets Tyson in the next chapter, all thanks to Raul and Ellie. ^_~. I especially thanks to Annie for completing reading it till the last chapter! ^-^
Just one thing, I'll be posting series of Flashbacks for Hilary's part from next chapter. It's around of 40k words, so I think there will be around 7-8 chapters, because I can't do a chapter of more than 5k words. It becomes very longer admitting to read for the readers, because I know that you all are used to read chapters of 3-4k words by me per chapter and its rarely beyond that. I'll try to minimize the number of chapters, so as we can get to Ash's part quickly of present. But I can't post that chapter next putting a hold to Hilary's Flashbacks. Because Ash's part requires definite continuity once it starts, it can't get a break, so I'll try to quickly complete the Flashbacks with minimum chapters I can, in minimum time. Once done, we can come back to Ash's and Tyson's meeting without delay. ^_^
I hope you allunderstand. Sorry for keeping you guys further waiting after almost telling that Ash and Tyson are gonna meet in next chapter. But again, I do hope that you'll all love the Flashbacks with you all there in it as characters. Hope you'll enjoy it. Honestly, at least I enjoyed a lot writing that rom-com high school like drama xD
I'll give you the brief summary of OCs and all characters in the starting Author's notes of next chapter since I've to jot it down a little more finely.
Reply to guest11: Thanks so much for reviewing, . :'D
Stay tuned and review, that makes me smile so much ;D