Chapter 8
It was a gray, cloudy day, as the rain seemed to fall everywhere. The cold didn't provide much help either. It was getting close to the middle of the day, as Sailor held her stuffed bear close. She ran out of her Celexa medicine, which meant she had to take Alanser all by itself. This made Sailor a bit tired. Today, although, she was hungry. The school seemed as if it were going on a normal schedule, and Kuki did find a substitute, while she was out taking Sailor to lunch. "Ms. Kuki". Sailor asked, looking up at Kuki as Kuki readied things for the substitute. "yes, sweetie". Kuki said, putting some papers down on the desk. "um…if you're going to be out, does that mean Mr. Herriman is our substitute?". "Or are you going to get another substitute from another class?". "I don't want Mr. Herriman". "You won't have to worry about that". Kuki smiled. "You're coming with me". Kuki's smile was a bit mischievous at best.
"why?". Sailor asked. "I don't think teachers are allowed to take students anywhere". "I'm taking us to the buffet". Kuki said, still smiling. "oh, ok". Sailor said. "thank you". "mm hmm". Kuki said. "Ira won't be able to join us, but I know some friends who will". Kuki smiled again. "are Ivanov and Nalana coming?". Sailor asked. "They are". Kuki said. "oh, ok". Sailor said. "Why can't Ira come?". "She has a concert to do, she has class, and she has a few business meetings". Kuki said. "oh". "I was kind of hoping I could see her". Sailor said. "you'll be able to". Kuki said. "We'll have to see what her schedule is". "So, what we're doing is, um…we're sneaking out?". Sailor asked. "We are". Kuki smiled. "Oh, well, ok, I guess". Sailor said. "It'll be fun". Kuki said. "you can have whatever you like". "There's mashed potatoes there that are outstanding". "oh, well, I hope they have fried rice". Sailor said. "They do". Kuki said. "They have fried rice, pizza, macaroni and cheese, almost everything you could want".
"oh, ok". Sailor said. "All I ask is that no one tries to hurt me". "Sailor". Kuki said, stroking Sailor's face. "Why would you ever think that?". "Because I was hurt". "Now, I'm worried that something is going to happen to me". "I don't know if I should go out". "sweetheart". Kuki said, gently. "I know in the past, bad things happened". "Now, you have a protector, and a friend who will always be there to help you". "I'll be beside you through all of it". "There's no need to worry". "I know". Sailor said. "I'm doing my best". "you're doing great". Kuki assured. "Everything will be ok". "Are you ready to go?". Sailor looked up at Kuki, still holding her bear close. "I am". She said. "ok, it'll be fun, I promise you". Kuki said. "We'll go to the buffet, we'll eat, we'll go to the store, and get some Key Lime pie". "ok". Sailor said. Kuki helped Sailor up, and helped her get her jacket on, and her school bag together. The substitute came in, as Kuki met with her about the learning objectives for the day, and the activities the kids could do. After their short meeting, Kuki walked Sailor out. They had just gotten to the car, as Sailor got in the backseat. "I'm not old enough to ride in the front yet". "That's ok, sweetie". Kuki said, kissing Sailor's cheek. "Are you ok?". "Would you like a snack, or something to drink?". "I have cranberry juice". Kuki said. "no". Sailor said. "I'm ok for right now". "ok". Kuki said, gently.
She put a blanket over Sailor, as Sailor sat, looking outside. The gray of the sky, and the rain hadn't let up yet. It was strange, although, sadly enough it was true. They drove away from the school, as raindrops crowded the window. Outside, the trees seemed bare, the world seemed bleak, and the essence of sadness came to. Sailor sighed, disappointed she wasn't able to see Ira. Ivanov and Nalana were ok, although she really wanted to see her role model. Ira was an inspiration to young girls everywhere, to be true to themselves, and do what their heart said was right. Sailor was inspiring to her friends, and her teachers loved her, although, sometimes, she felt truly alone, and as if she was doing things completely on her own. Sailor held her bear close, touching its little ears, and its black bead eyes. The bear was soft, and fuzzy. It was a bear the nurses in the hospital gave her, when she was in for an injury after the plane crash. Sailor hugged the bear, feeling the comfort, feeling the safety, and security, as it was the only safety she had in the cold, dark world. Yes, she had Cree, although, she needed, and missed her family. Without her Celexa, the pain became all to real, as she sat, hugging her bear.
Sailor was a trier. She wasn't naturally gifted, and didn't have the athletic ability. Although, she did used to play games with her sister for fun. Sailor was a hard worker, who had set goals for herself, and most oftentimes reached them. She kept working hard, winning fellowships, and character awards, winning the President's Volunteer Service award, and the Cartoon Network Halo award to soothe the pain of losing her family. With a sense of coming and going security, Sailor felt the sadness creep into her, covering her pained heart. Only her beautiful, round eyes were seen, as she looked from behind the bear. A tear streamed down her cheek, as she sniffled. She continued looking outside, holding her bear close. "Sailor". Kuki said, gently. Sailor looked up at Kuki. "yes?". Sailor asked. "Are you ok, sweetie?". "You seem quiet today". "I'm fine". Sailor said. "I just, I didn't have any Celexa left, and now, I…I don't feel like myself anymore". "I'm sorry". "Sweetie, it'll be fine". Kuki assured. "I'm sure Cree will pick some up on her way home". "How are you feeling?". Kuki asked. "I'm not doing so well". Sailor said. "What's bothering you?". Kuki asked gently. "I miss my family". Sailor said. "Sometimes, I feel like I have no one". "I feel like I'm doing everything completely on my own". "I know that I have my friends, and that I have Cree, although, I feel like no one cares about me". "I was hurt because I wasn't good enough". "Because I wasn't strong enough". Sailor said.
"I understand". Kuki said. "Sweetie, it's hard when you lose family, or when you lose someone close to you". "You've done very well, however". "I'm always proud of how perseverant, and how hardworking you are". "your family is very proud of you, too". "I know". Sailor said. "I just, they're gone now". "do you still pray to them?". Kuki asked. "yes". Sailor said. "I do, every night before I go to sleep". "They're still with you". "mmm, they will always be with you". "I know". Sailor said. "I know right now seems hard, but, we'll get through it". Kuki said. "Do you trust Cree, and Maurice?". Kuki asked. Sailor lowered her head. "I do". She said. "when you trust someone you love, you know they'll be there for you to turn to". "I trust you". Sailor said. "I know, sweetie, and I love that about us". "We have a friendship built on trust". "You know I will always be there". Kuki said. "I know". Sailor said. "I'm just worried, that, something might happen to Cree and Maurice, just like it happened to my family".
"I'll always be there for you, just as Cree and Maurice will". Kuki said. "I know". Sailor said. Kuki smiled, looking back at Sailor. They pulled into Ivanov, and Nalana's school, going over to the parking lot. Mr. Carl walked them out. "Hi Nalana, baby". "Hi sweetie". Kuki said to Ivanov. "ku-ki". "Ku-ki". Nalana pointed. "Hello, Hello". "Did you have fun today?". "They were wonderful today, as usual". Carl said, smiling. "That's nice". Kuki said. "He's really improving on swallowing, and chewing". "He's beginning to learn the concept of self feeding". "Picking up food, putting it in his mouth, the sequence of chewing and swallowing". "He's learning very quickly". "He has always been studious". Kuki said, brushing Ivanov's face. "Today, we're going to a buffet with our friend, Sailor". "Are you excited?". "Ba ba". "Ba ba". Nalana pointed. "that's right". Nalana waved to Sailor as Sailor sat in the back seat. "That sounds exciting". Carl said. "All I have for lunch is leftover pasta from the night before". "Alright, well, have a nice day". "Have a nice day as well". Kuki said.
Helping Ivanov and Nalana into their seats, Kuki got in the driver's side, pulling out of the school parking lot. "b aba". "b aba". Nalana pointed. "is that rain outside?". Kuki guided. "ba da". "ba da". Nalana pointed. Her tiny, three year old hand sat against the window glass against the background of a gray day. "yeah, it's rain". Kuki smiled. "mmm, I'm excited to eat at the buffet". "I can't wait to have some salmon, and fried rice". She chuckled as she said this. "I want rice, and mashed potatoes". Sailor said. "let's try eating some meat, or some protein as well". Kuki suggested. "They have mussels, I think I might have mussels". Sailor said. "ok, whatever you'd like". Kuki said.
The rain continued falling outside, as Nalana and Ivanov sat, quietly. Ivanov rubbed his tummy, suggesting he was hungry. "eee". "eee". He began noising a little bit. "We'll be there in just a couple minutes". Kuki said, smiling. They waited at a traffic light, slowing down a bit, before coming to a full, and complete stop. Eventually, they pulled into the parking lot for the buffet. The rain came down, as in the distance, thunder rumbled a little bit. Nalana clung to Kuki for protection, as a soft cry came from her. "It's ok, baby". Kuki said, stroking Nalana's head. "It'll pass". They came into the entrance of the buffet, as a glass chandelier hung above them, and a calming fountain trickled with water. "Hello". The waitress said. "How many?". "Four of us". Kuki replied. "Right this way". The waitress said, showing them to a table near the middle part of the restaurant. "Something to drink?". The waitress asked. "yes, I'll have an iced tea, two cranberry juices, and…Sailor, what would you like?". Sailor looked up, saying quietly, "Cranberry juice, too". "three cranberry juices". Kuki said. "alright, then". "whenever you're ready". The waitress said. "Are you all hungry?". Kuki asked, as Nalana looked up from holding her stuffed bear. "hungry?". Kuki repeated, helping Nalana to process what was being said.
"Yes". Nalana said. "ok, let's get some lunch". Kuki said, gently. She stood up, walking with Nalana and Ivanov at her side. Sailor went to pick out her food. Underneath the bright heat lights shining over the food, there was a rainbow of assortments that lay spread out. A mixture of brown, red, pink, yellow, and orange lay spread out over at the sushi counter. Sailor, feeling hungry, took one piece of sushi, as she went over, looking at the steamed mussels that sat on a chilled tray. Taking two mussels, she put them on her plate, as she went over to the mashed potatoes, and fried rice, putting a big amount on her plate. She even put some thick, red, coffee bean gravy over her mashed potatoes. The food, the spread that sat before her looked delicious, and Sailor knew she'd come back. She was hungry today.
Sailor sat down at the table, waiting for Kuki and the little ones. Today, with the food, she felt at least a little bit better. However nervous, however saddened she was feeling, she would be able to just eat, and forget about it. Sailor would try to feel better. She would put the effort in, she would think of her needs a little bit more, and what she wanted. Now, it was time to relax, eat, and sleep. She needed it, desperately. Kuki returned with the little ones, putting their plates down. "Now, I should make my plate". Kuki said. "you all enjoy". "ok". Sailor said. She sat, eating her plate, as Nalana picked up her spoon, eating her mashed potatoes. She ate them, one by one, independently, as Ivanov looked at Sailor, with a puzzled look. He still didn't know how to feed himself. "I'll help you". Sailor said, going next to Ivanov, feeding him his pizza. She cut his pizza up into little bits, feeding him each bite. Ivanov enjoyed each bite, as Sailor continued feeding him. Nalana ate her dino bites, dipping them into her ketchup. "Good job, Nalana". Sailor said. Kuki eventually returned, setting her plate down, which consisted of fresh caught salmon, some fried rice, and some broccoli. "Thank you so much for helping". Kuki said, kindly. "I appreciate it". "I can stay". Sailor said.
"you should enjoy". Kuki said, feeding Ivanov. "remember what we discussed?". "Thinking of our needs, and what we want". "ok". Sailor said, going back to her seat. Now, it was just her, and her food to eat. Sailor ate her mussels, thinking they were chewy, soft, and not that bad. She then went to her fried rice, knowing there was some amount of comfort there. There was some amount of hope, and security with her food. There was nothing, and no one that could ruin lunchtime. Sailor continued eating, feeling the safety, and blanket of therapeutic cope that lie in food. Sailor felt the flavors, and the enriching taste come alive, with her comfort food. She felt warm, cozy, and in a safe, comforting place with her food. She ate the final bite of her mashed potatoes, now feeling a bit saddened it was all gone. It was a buffet, so she could get more. "Kuki", she said, standing up. "yes, sweetie". Ivanov was drinking his bottle of cranberry juice, the waitress gave the kids bottles. Anyhow, Kuki spoke gently to Sailor as she helped Ivanov. "Can I have more?". Sailor asked. "sure, sweetie". Kuki said. "think about what you want". She guided. "Would you like more?". "yes". Sailor said. "I'm going to have as much as I want". "I don't care". Kuki smiled, as Sailor went back up to where the food was. "that's my girl". Kuki chuckled.
"although", she suggested. "maybe try something new this time around". "there's a lot there to make you feel good". sailor went to the mashed potatoes, and this time to the salted herring, she put another thing of sushi down, some fried rice, and a tiny spicy, octopus, calamari thing. She put gravy on her mashed potatoes, then coming to sit down. "I'm trying something new". Sailor said. "that's wonderful, sweetie". Kuki said. "you enjoy". Sailor ate her salted herring, feeling the flavor, and taste come alive with the salt. It was quite something spectacular. It was nice knowing she had food there, and now she had an interest in eating. Feelings of positivity, and a bit of happiness came about as she ate. For a moment, she could forget about her trauma, and hurt, and she could come to the table, and eat. She ate the spicy octopus calamari feeling rocked, held, cuddled, and swaddled, a line of affection, while getting the flavor. Ivanov and Nalana felt the same. They could eat, knowing there was someone there who cared about them, who loved them, and held them close when they were scared. Sailor ate her mashed potatoes, and rice, knowing there was at least something there, someone who cared about her. Someone that was looking out for her. There was someone that loved her, and would alleviate some of her pain.
Sailor finished her plate, going up for another. Kuki took the kids up for another. That afternoon, they ate a total of 5 plates. "oh, boy, I'm so full". Kuki said, sitting down. "I might explode". "we had 5 plates". Sailor said. "of course we might explode". "sorry, I…I'm not feeling well again". Sailor said. "what's wrong, baby?". Kuki asked. "nothing, I just…I don't…I just feel scared that something bad is going to happen to me". "I feel like, I'm…I'm…I'm going to get sick, and feel horrible, and have problems in my head". Sailor said. "I also feel like something bad is going to happen to you, or Cree". "I'm worried". "what do I do?". "I ate good today, but I'm not hungry again". "sweetie". Kuki said, stroking Sailor's face. "nothing will happen to Cree, or Maurice, or me". "we're safe". "I know it's been hard because you've experienced trauma, but, know that we are here beside you through your entire journey". "we love you, and we know just what an amazing young lady you've become". "You've made us proud". Kuki said, kissing Sailor's cheek. "I know". Sailor said. "Don't worry". "I'll be here with you, whenever you need me". Kuki said. "ok". Sailor said.
"You can call me anytime you need to". Kuki said. "I know". Sailor said, finishing her ice cream. "do you have my number?". Kuki inquired. "I do". Sailor said. "I'm ok for right now, thank you". "Of course". Kuki said, brushing Sailor's cheek. Sailor drank her cranberry juice, feeling tired now that she ate all of that food. Looking outside, it was still cloudy, although now it was a bit brighter outside. "Are you ready?". Kuki asked, after she paid the bill. "yes". Sailor said. Kuki packed everyone up, carrying Ivanov, as Nalana and Sailor walked beside her. Kuki gave a nod to their waitress, as they went outside to the car. Putting the little ones in their seats, Kuki got in her driver's side, and got the car going. Sailor, feeling full, held her teddy bear close, feeling a certain wave of relief, and satisfaction. Things were going to be ok. Things were going to be just fine. "Thank you for taking me today". Sailor said. "I really appreciate it". "of course, sweetheart". Kuki said. "you know I love you, and will always be there to protect you through anything". "I know". Sailor said. "Sweetie, if you ever feel scared, or alone, or fearful, just call me". "I'm always here to talk". Kuki said. "I know". Sailor said. She looked down at her bear, hugging it. "The nurses at the hospital gave me this". "They said I was really brave for trying to rescue my family". Sailor said.
"you are brave". Kuki said. "You are a hero to everyone you know". "I know". Sailor said. "I know right now things are a bit difficult, but, you've done wonderful things". Kuki said. "Never doubt yourself". "I won't". Sailor said. "I won't". The car eventually pulled into Cree's driveway. "Here you go, sweetheart". Kuki said, as Sailor unbuckled her seatbelt. "I'll see you tomorrow, ok?". Kuki said, kissing Sailor's cheek. "I love you, very much". "I love you too". Sailor said. "See you tomorrow". Kuki hugged Sailor, taking her into the house. Cree wasn't home yet, so Sailor went inside, laid on the couch, and fell asleep with her bear in her hand. In the backseat, Nalana and Ivanov slept soundly, knowing they were safe as well, they were also well fed. Kuki drove yawning tiredly as well, as the buffet did have her a bit tired. It was a dreary day outside as well, so, it was the perfect day to sleep in. Kuki looked down at her clock, it read 4:30 pm. It was a busy day indeed. Pulling into the driveway, Kuki stopped the car, taking Ivanov, and Nalana out. Walking in the house, she put them in their beds, greeting Wally as he came home. "Ahh, school ran late again today, didn't it?". Wally said. "It did". Kuki said, kissing Wally on the mouth.
"that's good". Wally said. "It keeps them tired so we can, y'know, y'know". He pulled Kuki in, close, kissing her, letting the kiss linger, letting the kiss stay with them. "mmm, we could". Kuki said, feeling the amazing kiss, the amazing feeling that lingered, staying, blessing them, reigniting the passion that let them go at, many times before. "we'll get Ira to watch the younger ones". Wally said. "mmm, yeah". Kuki said, kissing Wally. They embraced one another, kissing one another in a manner where passion was reignited. "I know a lil spot we could retreat to". Wally said. "I'm sure you do". Kuki said, as they kissed again. Looking outward, they didn't see Ira come home anytime soon. Nalana and Ivanov were sleeping. Now was a time dedicated specifically for them.
The gray sky had eventually turned black, as the hot tub water sizzled at a 103 degrees. The jets weren't on, it was a still water, as they both, now completely naked sat in the water, kissing. "mmm". "you kiss weird". Kuki said, as her tongue curled underneath Wally's. "mmm, if anything you're the weird one". Wally joked. "and you're not?". Kuki chuckled, as they kept kissing. "I didn't know you had a type". Wally joked. "you're weird". Kuki put a thin feminine hand on his chest, as they continued kissing. Their tongues interlocked with one another. "mmm, what'd you do that was boring today?". Kuki asked. "I opened an account for someone". Wally said. "I helped someone with their annuity". "wow". Kuki said. "I just helped some kids learn". "it's more exciting than sittin' around, waitin for people to show up". Wally said. "right, although, there is some excitement to it, I'm sure". Kuki said.
"There's really not". Wally said. They continued kissing as if they were teenagers again. "mmm, you're amazing". Wally said, as he held her close. "you are, as well". Kuki said. He held her incredibly close, as they kissed. "I see life agrees with you". Wally said, looking down at Kuki's baby bump. "I think life agrees with you". Kuki said, wrapping her legs around Wally, kissing him, feeling the gentle passion flood them. It was the same passion they had felt as teenagers, when they first had sex. There were no words, only kissing, as the feeling of relaxation, and tiredness was a feeling to be felt. "You think your mom's going to give us money for a bigger place pretty soon?". Wally asked. "mmm, maybe". Kuki said. "she gave us money for our kid, so, why not?". "yeah, the bank isn't helping out, and I don't think I can ask for a loan". Wally said. "I could probably do something". Kuki said. "They know me pretty well". "sure". Wally said. They looked at one another again, there was a middle silence again as they looked.
"I'm glad you had a good day". "I'm glad you had a good day, too". They looked at one another again before kissing one another again, in ecstasy. They kissed, and kissed, going inward, and outward, feeling the reignited passion. Ira came outside in her pajamas, seeing a naked Kuki in the hot tub. Her baby bump as of now was prominent. "Kuki". Ira said, going over to the hot tub. "hi, sweetie". Kuki said, gently. Ira sat down, looking over at Kuki. Kuki loved Ira, how young, cute, and innocent she looked with her beautiful, round eyes, and teddy bear the nurses at Children's gave her. "um…um…". "I know, sweetheart, Wally and I were doing some things". "I know things right now will change, but, we will always remain friends". "You and I both, forever". Kuki said, comfortingly. "ok". Ira said. Kuki kissed Ira's cheek, as Ira looked down. "mmm, it's coming along". "I haven't felt the full affects yet". Kuki said. "sweetie, you don't look like yourself". "Is something wrong?". "no". Ira said. "I just, I had a hard day". "what happened?". Kuki asked. "nothing happened, I just, It's a lot to do". Ira said. Kuki brushed Ira's face, knowing she was a trier. She wasn't naturally smart, or gifted, in fact she was below average, although Kuki knew she was doing, and trying new things.
Kuki brushed Ira's face, soothing her gently, as Kuki stretched out. "mmm, oh my god, am I tired". Kuki sighed, continuing to brush Ira's face. "Did you go to a buffet today?". Ira asked. "I did". Kuki said. "I ate a ton of crap". "I know". Ira said. "yeah, but, it was fine, it made them feel good". "that's good". Ira said. "mmm, I'll have to do way more when I have this kid, but, it'll be fine". Kuki said. "ok". Ira said. Kuki stretched out, feeling the passion that came from being with Wally. Ira felt the amazement, the laughter, and the joy their love brought. It was something to be regaled. Kuki and Wally kissed, as Ira sat back, feeling the amiability of their love. Kuki was in love with Wally, and now was pregnant. Ira felt what it had brought on. "I love you". Kuki said, kissing Ira's cheek. "you are our greatest gift". Kuki said. "I know". Ira said.
Kuki and Wally continued kissing, as Ira looked on. It was fine. There was love to come through, and peace to go around, and that night, as they lie on their beds, they felt the love, the praise, and the affection that would come around in sight.