J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plastering on a smile for the cameras and the money grubbers that watched my every move was the easiest thing in the world if you were able to forget how ruthless those cameras and moochers could be when your back was turned. Kyoya and I had been together for nearly a year, and the society columns were sniffing for an engagement like a pack of hounds on the hunt. It was exhausting, the game, but it wasn't overwhelming, just a variation of what I used to do back home.
"Judy, have you made a decision? We really need to know before the new semester."
I glanced at the blonde man as I gathered my music. "I know I'm cutting it close, Tamaki; but I'm just not sure. I really do like teaching private lessons." I paused my search for a book and lifted a hand to my chin. "But, I'm not a fan of classes. My career seems to have picked up here, but I can't rely on it solely for my well being. I've begun recording some of my favorite works, but I don't think it'll sell, so it may be best to do what I did last year."
"You're so talented, Judy!" He grabbed my hands and twirled me around my studio. "Why not just give it a go?"
"Geeeet…tiiiiiing diiiiizzy!" I wasn't going to be able stand let alone walk out the door.
"After all, if it doesn't work, Kyoya won't leave his girlfriend 'friendless.'" He released me, and I fell on the small sofa.
"Tamaki, I thought we discussed over exaggerated displays of enthusiasm." Thank God. Haruhi stood in the doorway and stared plainly at her betrothed.
"Haruhi! My dear, wonderful sweetheart! I thought you'd never get here." I smiled through my tilted vision as Tamaki swept her into a spinning hug. "Now, tell Judy that she can definitely make singing her career here."
"What are you talking about, Tamaki?" Haruhi blinked at him. "Judy's career is singing. She doesn't need to worry about that." She walked over to me and helped me up. "Sorry about my fiancé. His over zealous personality sometimes begs to be released."
I smiled back at her. "Neither of you need to apologize. I know you're both concerned." I began picking up my portfolio and books again, though I still felt queasy. "I am seriously considering going performance full-time, but it might not be the right mome—"
Our conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. An office aid walked in, his ID badge knocking against the box he carried. "Mooreson-san?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Please, sign this for me." He pushed a paper and pen at me, and I signed my name while he set the box on my desk. As soon as I handed him the paper, he rushed from the room.
"I expect he had a date this evening," I chuckled.
"Oh, how romantic! A young knight out to woo his fair maiden." Tamaki's eyes widened in typical fashion. I may be his friend, but daydreaming like that is not normal.
"What do you think it is," Haruhi asked. I checked the sender, but found no name or address.
"Odd. I guess the only way to find out is to delve in." I grabbed my keys and stabbed at the tape. The tape zipped open to a box full of packing peanuts and bubble wrap. How enjoyable. Can't wait to pop these when Kyoya makes me mad. Before I could start fishing through the packaging, Tamaki shoved both hands in the box.
"Look, Haruhi! Confetti for our little party!" He tossed a fistful in the air. "Woohoo!" And, another handful of confetti. Glad it's cleaning night.
My hand aimlessly searched the depths of the packing peanuts while I watched Tamaki prance about the room declaring 'parcels' to be 'the loveliest surprises from one's knight.' I rolled my eyes just as I felt a small, velveteen sensation on my finger tips. Grasping the item, I pulled it out.
Tamaki let a loud squeal free when he noticed the small jewelry box. "Oh, Judy! It seems my little boy has finally stepped up." I smiled at his crocodile tears and opened the box. "Haruhi and I will have empty nest syndrome for sure with Kyoya getting married."
I stared at the red velvet box's contents, a beautiful engagement ring. I felt no elation, no joy, nothing that a woman should feel when she receives such a gift. I wanted to run, scream, and cry at the same time; for here, in the one place I thought I couldn't be found, was a painful reminder of my past. My old ring.
"Judy?" Haruhi had her hand on my arm as I stared at the ring. He knows where I am. "Judy, are you all right?" I snapped out of my fear and glanced at my two friends. Tamaki had gone completely still and was staring at me like I might brake. Haruhi's gaze was a piercing as ever. She'd been watching me ever more carefully since Kyoya and I had gotten serious, and I couldn't avoid her frank gaze.
I smiled brightly at them both. "Kyoya must have forgotten that we agreed to pick out the ring together," I said as I snapped the box shut. Oops. That sounded so rude. "I-i-i mean…"
"You don't need to explain anything, Judy," Tamaki quietly said as he reached past me and grabbed more packaging. "Now," a little more refuse littered the floor, "to the restaurant!" One step, a handful in the air. Two steps, another handful rained on Haruhi and me. We giggled, and I tried to forget the detestable object still sitting on my desk.
"Now, did I understand correctly that you and Kyoya are going to pick out rings," Tamaki wailed in delight as he skipped down the hall like a fool.
We had a lovely dinner, just us three. Kyoya was unable to join us due to a last minute meeting with his investors. I miss him. We had both been looking forward to this double date with Tamaki and Haruhi for weeks, had planned it into both of our schedules, but a minor crisis in the world of technology and medicine overruled our plans. It was bound to happens sooner or later. Your boyfriend is the head of the world's fastest growing medical supplier. To speak plainly, he had never cancelled one of our dates together because our dates always furthered business. Each one was a carefully planned show. The only time we got together without preamble was when he'd have dinner at my house or I at his. We did that often, otherwise we'd never have time. So, is my life to forever be a list of social engagements? I wasn't very pleased with the idea.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to find the lady's room," Haruhi said as she stood from our private table. I snapped back to the moment and smiled at her and Tamaki when he stood for her out of respect. I allowed my eyes to wander the private dining room again: dark wood paneling, pewter sconces, elaborate lily arrangements standing in each corner of the room, silk tablecloths, silver flatware, gold leafed china plates, crystal glasses. I had gotten used to such treatment in the past year, but I preferred a more relaxed atmosphere.
"Judy, something isn't right." I turned at Tamaki's serious tone. His countenance shone with none of the levity he had been exhibiting all night. Gone was the trash tossing idiot and doting best friend and fiancé, and here was the man beneath the facade, calm, concerned, caring. "I know Kyoya has been extra vigilant of your safety. In fact, I've never seen so much caution for any of our friends. He would never assign such a large detail to you unless you were in imminent danger; so, please tell me what's wrong. You and Kyoya are growing very close, and I hope to count you as part of our family permanently. Whatever it is chasing you, I want to help you and Kyoya face it."
I was dumbfounded by his insight, not that that little bit was very deep or revealing. I just had never expected much from Tamaki beyond what he showed me. Who's the fool now? You touted yourself as able to see through other people's facades, able to see who they were, but in the end your walls are the ones that are fake, your building is the one made of plaster and not stone. I hadn't thought about telling anyone beside Haruhi about my predicament. Kyoya certainly wouldn't tell anyone, and quite obviously Haruhi had kept her promise.
"Haruhi has told me nothing, but I wouldn't be worthy of my handsome face if I wasn't smart enough to know something is bothering my future wife and my lifelong, best friend." I snickered at his phrasing.
"Tamaki, it's not worth worrying about. It'll blow over soon enough," I said with lowered eyes.
"I'd hardly call something that's bothered you since you arrived in the country nothing, and I doubt this 'nothing' will blow over soon if it hasn't in the last year." Now, here is something. I told Haruhi about Sato, and she knows he's been dealt with, and I did tell her that Jackson was released, but she knows little outside of that. I had to give Tamaki some credit for that, as far as I knew, Haruhi's concerned gazes stemmed only from occasionally checking on my emotional state left over from Sato and, maybe, Jackson's release.
"I'd prefer not to discuss this in public." My eyes shifted about the room. A single window over looked a garden, a sure way for reporters to sneak a picture or eavesdrop.
He seemed to grasp my meaning and let the topic drop with a friendly but serious smile and a, "Later then."
Haruhi opened the dining room door, and apologized for being away so long. I turned to Tamaki just before Haruhi reached the table and replied, "I'd prefer you ask Kyoya." I knew I was being cowardly, but I was ready to rely on Kyoya a little bit.
K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My phone began to ring as I walked down the hall to my bedroom. Looking at the caller i.d., I groaned. I'd had a long day, didn't get to see Judy at all, and I missed dinner. The last thing I wanted after listening to the panel complain and argue was an excited Tamaki gushing about a dinner I didn't get to eat.
"Hello, Tamaki."
"Kyoya, I need to ask you something." So, he's finally figured it out.
"I'd rather not have this conversation over the phone."
"Since Judy said the same thing earlier, I'm sitting in your room to keep you from avoiding the topic." Sure enough, I opened my door to find the boisterous blonde sitting on my sofa, legs stretched on the glass coffee table.
"I assume she said she didn't want to talk, so you thought you could get me to confess to whatever you think is wrong." He just stared at me expectantly. "I really don't know what you want, Tamaki. Nothing is wrong."
"Do I seriously have to repeat myself?" Tamaki exhaled loudly. "I gave Judy the whole speech once, I'd rather not have to pull teeth to get you to tell me. Judy said she wanted me to ask you." I adjusted my glasses at that bit of information. She's willing to trust me with this. It's a start. "I can tell by the way Haruhi has been behaving and all the security around Judy that something's up. Who, besides dignitaries walk around with that much security? Seriously, she's got five guards, two to scout the area, two to watch on the perimeter, and one with her at all times. I'm surprised she let you do that. She strikes me as more like Haruhi in that she wouldn't want to be guarded."
"She doesn't." He's gonna have to work for the information. I'm giving no more than will satisfy his curiosity.
"Then why? Why does Haruhi tense up every time we see an extra guard? Why did they both tense up when you sent that ring tonight, and WHY would YOU send a ring in such shoddy wrapping? I thought I trained you better than that, young man!" Absurd. He's always so absurd. Serious one second, flying off the handle the next. But, a ring? I never sent a ring. If Judy was disturbed by it enough that both Haruhi and Tamaki picked up on it, then it can only be from one person. I can't imagine anyone else sending her something like that.
"Tamaki, the ring, does Judy have it with her?"
"I don't think so, she left it on the table remarking that you had agreed to go ring shopping together." So, an engagement ring. Jackson knows where she works. Well, that puts a stop to the job debate then. She'll have to quit the school to preserve her safety.
"I was upset that you'd choose to propose in such a crude way, but I've known you too long to give credence to such a slipshod attempt. You must try again!" I rolled my eyes at the buffoon as he paced my floor.
While he ranted about botched opportunities, I texted Judy. "Go to Haruhi's tonight. I don't want you alone in your apartment for the time being."
"Why?"
"Tamaki is in my room decrying ugly engagement rings and missed loves."
"Oh. lol."
"It's not funny."
"OK. I'll ask Haruhi." That was surprisingly easy.
"I knew it!" Tamaki pounced on the couch. "You are checking on Judy." He snatched my phone out of my hand. "That ring wasn't from you: You'd never pick out such an atrocity!" Oh, well done, Tamaki.
"Tamaki, give it back."
He flipped through the messages. "You want her out of the apartment because of something so small?" He looked at me apprehensively. "Who sent the ring?"
The negatives and positives of telling my best friend the whole story flashed through my mind.
"I'm guessing it's her ex, and I'm going to guess that he wants her back." I closed my eyes and leaned back in exhaustion. He's not too far off. Tamaki really is a smart fellow. "I'd also venture that this guy isn't friendly, thus the ridiculous amount of security; and from your silence, I expect that Judy will have more security starting tomorrow."
"I don't think I can give her a larger detail," I said as I rubbed my eyes. "It looks suspect enough as it is."
"Is this fellow in the country?" Tamaki was sitting on the other end of the sofa, staring out the window before us.
"Yes."
"I see." He tossed my phone next to me. "What's your next move?"
I nearly broke all chapter naming precedent for this story and called this one "If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it" simply because this chapter talks about rings. No other reason. But, I realized at the last second that would ruin my chapter progression, even if I love the song. lol. Read and review, please. :)