Chapter Thirty Three

Family Members

Fay walked back into the ballroom, and felt frustrated yet at the same time she was embarrassed. I can't believe I said that? She thought her cheeks heating up. She cupped her face, and wanted to shake that embarrassing feeing off. She decided that it was time to go look for her father. As she found their table, she felt someone tap her shoulder. "Want to dance with me?'

"Uncle Tarou!?" she exclaimed.

He didn't give her the chance to say no. He took her hand, and led her to the dance floor.

They danced quietly together, and then he began talking. "I want to apologize for last time," he said quietly. "Kentarou was drunk, and he loses control a lot."

"How can someone who's not even eighteen be drinking?!" she snapped.

Tarou seemed sympathetic. "I know, I feel the same way. Fay, I'm divorcing my wife, and Kentarou will be going to rehab. Maybe your father and my sister were right after all," he said quietly, more to himself than her. The music finished, and he bowed. "I'll take my leave, thank you for the dance."

Fay worried for him. Just maybe he's hurting as well… she thought. She headed back to her table, and found her brother sitting there. His face was a bit reddish. Is his fever acting up? She thought, sitting down next to him.

"Why were you dancing with uncle Tarou?" Atobe asked.

"He asked me," she answered. "Keigo, are you alright?'

"No," he said, wiping his forehead with a tablecloth. "I'm really hot, and don't feel good at all." He sipped his water, and then looked at her. 'Did he say anything to you?"

Fay crinkled nose. "I was never worried about uncle Tarou. Anyway, he apologized on behalf of Kentarou."

"An apology is not an apology until that person comes upfront and says it." He retorted.

Fay didn't comment to that. She lifted her wrist to see what the time was. Wow, is it already 1am. I want to go home now. I'm tired. She looked around for her father, and found him walking towards them.

Fay decided to survey her surroundings when she noticed for the first time that Tanaka Shigeru, and Sawada Aya were amongst the crowd. I didn't know they were here. Should I go say hi? Hmm… I might run into Ren, and after that disastrous moment I don't think it would be a good idea.

Mitsuru stood by them, "shall we call it a night?"

"Please!" Both Atobe and Fay insisted.

Mitsuru chuckled, "Fine, let me get your aunt and say bye to a few people. You both can wait in the limo."

Atobe and Fay stood up, and walked towards the exit. Fay noticed that as she walked alongside her brother, a lot of girls were watching him. Some of the girls were giggling; some drank him in while others were just silent creepers studying him. I never knew he omitted such an aura that girls actually found him attractive. No wonder I kept having unnecessary girl friends at school when we were younger.

Atobe stood by the ball entrance door, and waited for their limo to arrive.

Fay frowned as she stood by his side. Is it okay to just leave? Why do I feel like I have to resolve something? Was it rude of me not to say hi to Ren's friends? Before she could decide what to do, their limo had arrived and they got into it.

Atobe leaned against the chair, and massaged his temple. "My head really hurts," he muttered.

Fay worried for her brother, "Keigo. Lie down on my lap and close your eyes."

Her request seemed weird to him. "What? Am I four years old?"

"Now is not the time to be sarcastic," she said haughtily. "It's obvious that you're sick. Take off your jacket, and lie down. The drive back home is an hour and a half."

He wanted to argue, but realized that she did have a point. He swore softly, and took off his jacket. He was thankful that the limo was tinted, or it would've been too embarrassing for him.

Fay placed his jacket on her lap, and then he put his head there and closed his eyes.

Hey, this is not bad, he thought trying not to think of his pounding headache.

Fay hesitated, but placed her hand softly on his hair. Even his hair is like mine. It's so soft. My brother and I are more alike than I thought.

Fifteen minutes later, Mitsuru and Akari got into the limo. They both were surprised at the sight in front of them. Fay was soundly asleep with her head against the window while Atobe slept on her lap.

"Are you sure you needed me here to bring those two closer?" Akari asked.

"They still need more time," he said, taking his seat. "Akari, Tarou seemed off tonight, didn't he?"

"Yes," she agreed. "To be honest I was surprised because I didn't see his wife around."

Mitsuru frowned. Even if we've had our differences, he is still my brother. I hope that things are alright.