A/N: PLEASE READ! I wanted to let you all know that while working on this story I have recognized some inconsistencies with the series and will be updating and changing minor details in the first two chapters to make this story work with the series. I started this one before Season 3 ended, so I will make my story consistent through Season 3. If I can, I will make it mostly consistent with Season 4 except for Sissi and Sam being added to the group.

Okay, now that I've gotten the vital information, you can read the next chapter. ENJOY!

Chapter 3: Siblings' Comfort

Hiroki knocked on Yumi's door when he reached the top of the stairs. "Go away, Mom!" he heard her call from inside.

"Yumi, it's me," Hiroki said cautiously. "Can I come in?"

"Fine, whatever, Hiroki." He opened the door and started to step inside before he saw Keiko running up the stairs. He waited for her to get there, knowing that Yumi really loved Keiko and needed her right now. Once Keiko was inside, he stepped inside and shut the door behind him. Turning the lights on low, he watched as Keiko ran to Yumi's bed where Yumi laid face down, crying into her pillow.

"Yumi-chan, why you have kanashiso-nakao (1)?" she asked, poking Yumi. Yumi sat up and pulled Keiko close to her, trying to stop crying.

"It's hard to explain, Keiko-san. You're too little to understand completely right now. I guess what kind of happened is that okaa-san and oto-san (2) made a choice about me without asking how I felt about it. It's a personal choice, so I should have been the one to make it, but they didn't honor that right. That's why I have a kanashiso-nakao," she explained.

"Ohhh," was all Keiko said.

"Yumi, I'm sorry," Hiroki said. "I really mean that. I mean, I can only imagine what you're going through, but I can't even think of being sent off to marry someone I've never even met, especially since it would mean I'd be separated from Milly."

Yumi managed a smile. "Thank you, Hiroki," she replied. She wiped the tears from her eyes. "I guess it's just extra hard because Ulrich doesn't understand. He got really upset when I told him I was going to be leaving at the end of the term to go back to Japan to get married." She looked up at him. "And I don't want to leave Keiko right now. Mom's been getting sick more and more often lately and Keiko needs me here to help her during those times. And I'm starting to get the feeling that she and Dad are hiding something from us." She sighed. "I just wish I knew the reason for this sudden decision."

Hiroki nodded. "Yeah, I can understand that, Yumi. But remember, they really love you and they just want you to be happy. They wouldn't be doing this if they didn't feel that it was in your best interests."

"I know, Hiroki, but they have always told me that they want me to go to college before I get married, to get a degree and really make something of myself before settling down."

"Well, sis, I don't know what to tell you. Maybe something has come up where they feel they need to make special arrangements for you." Suddenly, that sparked something in Yumi's mind. She gently laid Keiko, who had fallen asleep, to the side as she stood.

"Come on, Hiroki," she whispered, motioning for him to follow her before she left the room. He followed her silently as she ran down the stairs and went into the kitchen. They saw their parents sitting at the table, finishing their supper. Hiroki went and sat down and ate what was left of his noodles. Yumi just looked at her mom. "Mom, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Akina looked up, surprised. "Why, of course, Yumi," she replied, getting up and walking into the living room. Yumi looked her over as she followed her. When they got there they sat on the low couch. "Now, Yumi, what is it? Are you concerned about some part of the wedding planning?"

"No, Mom. To tell you the truth, I'm more concerned about you than the wedding. You've seemed really down and upset lately, not to mention the fact that you've been getting sick more and more frequently. Are you all right?" she inquired of her mother. Akina got a little fidgety and was clearly worried. Then she seemed to calm herself.

"Yes, Yumi, darling, I'm fine," she assured her. Yumi scowled.

"I don't believe you, Mom. Something's wrong. You used to tell me that you wanted me to go to college, to get a degree and make something of myself. You wanted me to show the world that I can be useful to the Japanese world without just getting married and having children. And now, all of a sudden, you decide that I should get married, and fresh out of high school, too! What is going on?" Akina sighed.

"Yumi, sweetheart, it's nothing! Why won't you believe me?"

"Because it's so obvious you're not telling me the truth! Mom, I'm a big girl! I can handle anything you tell me! Why do you keep lying to me, Mom? Why don't you trust me? I need to know why you suddenly made this huge decision without asking me after always telling me you'd let me pick when the time came! I'm 18 years old, Mom. I can take care of myself and I can make these decisions myself!" Akina grew downcast.

"I know, Yumi, and I'm sorry. I just wanted to be sure you were married and in a position where you could take care of Keiko in case anything happens to me. Your father wouldn't be able to take care of a young girl like her. And she needs you, Yumi, I can see that clearly. You two are so close…" she trailed off.

"But why the sudden decision to do this now? Are you pregnant again or something?" Yumi inquired anxiously. Akina looked up, a look of shock and surprise on her face, which then grew sad. She looked down again. Then she spoke softly, tears running down her cheeks.

"Yes, Yumi, you're right. I'm pregnant."

1- kanashiso-nakao: sad-looking face

2- oto-san: father

OMG! Even I cannot believe the level of evil to which I have ascended... look at the newer and better cliffhangers I'm coming up with!

I don't think with 8 reviews on the first chapter and 9 on the second that 10 reviews till next chapter is posted is too much to ask... IF I GET 10, THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE UP IN TWO WEEKS. IF I GET FIFTEEN, IT WILL BE UP IN ONE WEEK, AND IF BY SOME MIRACLE I GET TWENTY IN SUCH A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME, IT WILL BE UP THIS WEEKEND!

SO LEAVE A REVIEW!