Heartaches

Chapter 79

By Kellyq

The rest of the week was edgy. Martha was starting to see that Jack was a becoming a little irritable to be around. She wanted to talk to him, but she was going to have to wait until she got to see Yusei. Martha's chance came two days before the race.

Yusei walked in and hugged her. "How is everything?"

"I'm doing just fine. How about you? I've noticed that Jack has been a little irritable."

Yusei sighed and sat across from her. "I think he's been trying to cope with the fact that Godwin used Jack."

Martha's eyes widened with shock. "What?" The more she thought about it the more she felt sorry for Jack. Now she understood where his irritation and frustration was coming from.

Yusei studied Martha for a moment. "I tried talking to Jack also, but he just won't even talk to me about how he feels."

Martha smiled. "He doesn't want people to think that he is weak," she concluded. "Especially in front of people or someone who he cares and loves."

Yusei caught on with the tone of voice and the look that Martha had. She's right, Yusei thought, remembering how Jack fought in the past. It reminded Yusei of some heroic knight or Prince who fought for his territory or fought to protect the people he loved.

"He wasn't always a fighter until you came along," Martha spoke up, snapping Yusei out of his memories. He gave Martha his full attention. She had a smile on her face. "It was the first time I've noticed that Jack was willing to put out effort to even engage with anyone," Martha started to explain.

Yusei nodded his head. "He was the second person I saw when I was a baby, considering that I don't remember anything before I came to live with you."

A sad smile made its way to Martha's face. She was grateful that Yusei didn't remember what happened that night Rudger busted into the house. He killed Hana and raped Hakase before he too was killed. "Well, that's all in the past now. I'm just grateful that you turned out to be a good kid," Martha said, reaching out to touch Yusei's face. "Hakase would be very proud of you if he was still alive."

Yusei leaned into Martha's hand before he moved to lie next to her. Martha scooted a little to the left so that Yusei could lay next her. He shifted so that he was lying on his side, and he wrapped his left arm around Martha.

Akiza walked in 15 minutes later to see the two sleeping. She made her way to the right side of the bed. Akiza gently rubbed Yusei's arm to wake him up. He slowly opened his eyes and turned his head to see his ex-girlfriend standing there with a smile.

"What time is it?" Yusei murmured, slowly moving to get off the bed.

"It's around three in the afternoon," Akiza answered softly, moving out of the way so that she could follow him.

Yusei nodded his head before he glanced back at Martha's sleeping face. He scooted off the bed and pulled the covers to old woman's face. Akiza watched with sympathy. She wanted to take Yusei's pain away, but she was doing everything she could to help. The two walked out as Yusei closed the door softly behind them.

Akiza turned and pulled her ex-boyfriend close. Yusei didn't mind at all; he welcomed the embrace. After a moment, they pulled apart.

"I do appreciate your help," Yusei said softly.

A smile made its way to Akiza's lips. "It's the least I can do, considering what you have done for me. I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for your help."

It was Yusei's turn to smile. He remembered how he met Akiza. She had a lot of anger and emotional pain buried deep within her heart. Back then, Akiza didn't know how to express herself. Her parents sent her to the most well-known schools, hoping that will help with verbal-communication. It only made things worse. Akiza didn't understand why her parents sent her away, so she ran away. She lived on the streets for quite a long time until she met a man named Sayer. He was able to calm her down and helped her.

Over time, Akiza gradually started to trust Sayer, and she started to reveal how she ended up on the streets. Sayer revealed that he was a psychiatrist, and he was willing to help her out with any issues that she had. By now, Akiza was ready to tell her parents how she felt. When Akiza got to the house, the curtains to the window were drawn back and she could see that her parents were having a nice cup of tea. Hideo and Setsuko were laughing and talking. Akiza picked up a nearby rock and in her blind rage, threw it. The window shattered in a thousand pieces

Hideo and his wife turned to see their own daughter staring at them with hate and betrayal in her eyes. Akiza turned and started to run. Tears started to cloud her vision as she tried to block the image of her parents enjoying life without her. Akiza wasn't watching where she was going when she blindly ran across the street. An oncoming motorcycle came in her direction, and she moved out of the way. The driver managed to veer he is motorcycle out of the way. He parked his bike and pulled helmet off.

Akiza blinked a few times, taking in at the site of the new stranger. He had sapphire blue eyes, tan skin and a well slim body. He also had a hairstyle that was the shape of a crab. It was jet black with yellow highlights. The stranger got off and quickly made his way over to her.

"Are you alright?" The stranger was eyeing her to make sure that she wasn't hurt.

Akiza blinked. It was the first time anybody had taken time to even look at her let alone taking time to even responded that she was even there. "I'm fine." With that, she turned and continued to run.

"What's your name?" the stranger called out.

Akiza stopped. She straightened her posture and wiped the tears from the back of her fists. She glanced over her shoulder and gave the stranger a strange look. "It's Akiza."

"Yusei."

Akiza nodded her head turned her attention back to running. Yusei stood there with a confused look. He had never seen a woman look so troubled.

To Be Continued …