I just realized, I made a couple of typos in the past chapter. I'm so sorry about that! Anyway, here's chapter three. In response to one of my reviewers' questions, a pram is like a stroller, a "pushchair". :) That's all. Enjoy!
THREE
"Are you serious?" Kathy asked me, taking a sip of her tea. "Yeah, I guess he wants to practice so it's really no big deal." I replied. "He greeted us anyway. Len is a very busy man, besides him being one of the big executives in a company, he's also a musician." Jeanne said, taking a vanilla scone (I baked it myself).
"You didn't answer me yet why you didn't get any prams?" Miranda asked, stirring her tea. We were on our backyard, on the backyard patio. Len was in the music room, practicing his violin.
"Len and I decided that we would want to find out first what gender our baby will have." I said as I take a small bite of the vanilla scone. "Didn't have an ultrasound yet?" Kathy asked. "No," I said, taking my woven sun hat from the table, "Tomorrow is my appointment with my obstetrician. I'll find out tomorrow."
Just then, Len walks out on the patio and smiles, "Hello ladies." He walks over to me and kisses my forehead. I see Kathy blush and put a scone she was about to bite down on her plate, "Good afternoon Len." She greets. Miranda smiled, "How is your practice Len?" "I would love to hear a song." Jeanne said and Len laughs. He is wearing what he had picked out except he had his sweater pushed back and his white long sleeved shirt was folded up to his elbow.
"Ladies, I won't give anything out until you watch my concert." He said and sits down beside me, his arm resting just behind me. He crossed his legs and took one vanilla scone. "So how's business Len? I heard Bill talking about your proposal." Miranda said. Bill is Miranda's husband and he and Len are both executives in the same company.
"That's alright, I've got it covered." Len replied and I look at him. "It is, sweetheart." He said. I look at him for a few moments and then decided to relax.
"So, when's your concert again? I've been informed that the date has been changed." Kathy asked, leaning on the round table towards Len and sipping her tea. "Yes, concert is a month from now, September 5th." I nod, "We can get tickets to it if you want. We'll have the front row seats in the theater." "Oh that's wonderful! I would love that! How much?" Miranda asked. "I'll inform you ladies of the price as soon as—"
"Monsieur?" one of our servants pops her head out from the big French doors, "Phone call for you Monsieur Tsukimori. It's Monsieur Tsuchiura." She continued. Len looks at me, "Ryotarou? I'll be right back." He said as he stood up and left. The girls know our friends from Japan. During our engagement party and wedding of course they were there and they all met up. They know Azuma mostly since he was also connected to Len's music tutorials in LAMDA.
"Has Len been working out? He seems a bit more buffed up now." Kathy asked, finally biting her scone. I giggle, "Yes, spends a lot of the time in the Pearl Country Club. He goes there when he has free time but recently though, he's been practicing more often." I reply. "Well of course darling! It's Len Tsukimori. He's very serious with his work!" Miranda says and giggles.
"Sweetheart, may I have a word with you please?" Len's voice came. We all look to him and he was outside, waiting for me. "Excuse me." I say and all the girls replied an "Ok."
"Yes? Anything happen?" I ask, walking to Len. "Ryotarou has just gotten an offer to have further studies in LAMDA. Something like a 'PhD' in music. He's flying here tomorrow to start fixing papers since he's starting graduate school September." Len said monotonously. "Oh that's wonderful! I'm happy for him! Is this like a scholarship?" I ask.
"Yeah, it's free. Seiso apparently said that his skill as a pianist and his teaching abilities are 'beyond their comprehension' and they think that he could be more distinguished as a professor if he took further studies in Europe and Ryotarou accepted." Len said. "Great! But then we have an appointment tomorrow right? How will he meet up with him? What time is he arriving?"
"He's arriving 10 in the evening so it isn't really going to have conflict with our schedule. Do you want me to pick him up? It'll be too late for you." Len asked. "Well, I guess you can let Henry (our chauffer) pick him up instead. You need rest too, you've been working so hard in both your music and your business." I said, holding his hands and intertwining our fingers.
Len kissed my cheek, "By the way love, he'll be staying at our house. I offered so he won't have to spend money until he finds a suitable flat for himself." I smile, "Wow, that was unexpected... (Len lifted a brow) anyway! Isn't the scholarship giving him boarding allowance too?" I asked. "Yes but he has to fix that up first. Anyway, I have to go to my study and send some emails, would you mind if I wasn't around during your little tea party?" he asked. "Not at all." I said and kissed him and he left.
"Oh I see it! I see it!" I said maybe a little too enthusiastically. "Sweetie! Do you see it?" I asked Len as the sonographer moved the ultrasound probe on my bump. "I see it, Kaho. Would it be possible to know the gender of the child now?" Len asked the sonographer as she tapped on the computer keyboard a bit.
"Alright Mr. Tsukimori." The sonographer says happily. She mentioned how much of a fan she was of Len and I guess she's pretty excited being our sonographer.
"It's a..." the sonographer scans the screen as she moves the probe on my bump. I had gooey glop on my belly I guess it's for the probe.
I tighten my grip on Len's hand and he squeezed it back. Oh my God! We're going to find out if our baby is a boy or a girl! I'm so happy!
I feel my breathing stop for a while as the sonographer scans, what I think is, the legs of the baby. "Are you alright Mrs. Tsukimori?" the sonographer asks. She could probably feel my excitement of something. "I-I'm fine." I say and she nods, scanning again.
"Well. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Tsukimori, you are going to have a daughter!" the sonographer says as she puts the probe away and taps on the keyboard again, writing on paper on a clipboard.
I felt my eyes light up and a huge smile crept on my lips. A BABY GIRL!! WE'RE HAVING A BABY GIRL!! "Len! A baby girl!" I said as I felt tears well up. Len smiles, "A beautiful baby girl. I know you've always wanted a baby girl Kahoko." He said and plants a kiss on my forehead. "Well, your check up is over. I'll bring your papers and bring you over to Dr. Harrison now." She said as she fixes our papers and helps me clean up.
"Looks like you have no problem with this pregnancy Kahoko. Everything is in place and the baby is absolutely healthy." Dr. Harrison said. His grey hair is a bit more noticeable now. He was looking at our papers and I smile, "We can finally buy the prefect pram!" I said happily and Dr. Harrison looked at me with a what-are-you-saying face. "Excuse me?"
"Oh, sorry. Len and I wanted to buy a pram only after we find out what gender the baby has and I guess now, we can get the perfect one!" I say happily. "I see." Dr. Harrison said with a laugh, "Well, I'll be scheduling your next appointment to be in... two weeks. I'll be contacting you about this, alright?" he said and puts the copies of my pregnancy papers in an envelope and hands it to Len but just then, his PDA rings.
"I'm so sorry, excuse me." He said and got up and left the room. I took the envelope instead.
Len had to drop me off at home since he had a business meeting. It was after lunch and I craved chocolate raisins like crazy (and yes, I already ate lunch with Len) so I went to the den and got a big pack of chocolate raisins.
My phone suddenly rang and I picked it up.
"Hello?" "Kahoko! I finally reached you! It was so hard trying to call you up!" Amou's voice came on the other line. "Amou? What... why did you call?" I asked, apparently very surprised. "What, I can't call a friend now?" Amou said, laughing. The signal was a bit fuzzy.
"Hang on." I said and stood up to go to the backyard patio. "What's up then?" I asked. "I was wondering if Ryotarou arrived already?" she asked, the sound going from really loud to loud. "Oh, no, he's arriving late tonight, why?" "Well, Seiso wants an interview with him and he's a new assignment for the magazine I'm working for." "Oh, I see. Are you visiting here again?" I asked, smiling.
"Maybe when Ryotarou gets settled. I still have a few assignments at hand here. Just inform me when he's there so I can talk to him and arrange a meeting and stuff, that alright Kaho?" Amou asked. I nodded, "Of course Amou! I'll tell you straight away." "Thanks Kahoko! By the way, how are you? The baby? Your famous husband?"
I giggle, "Oh well I just found out the gender of the baby. We're going to have a daughter!" Amou screamed, which made me remove the phone from my ear. "Really? I can already imagine a little Kahoko! How adorable!" Amou said and I giggled, "You're making me excited Amou!" "How did Len react?" Amou asked. I put my hand on my hip, "Is this another interview?"
"No! How cruel of you to say that of me just because I'm a journalist and I ask questions!" Amou retorts. I try to stop laughing, "Well, I'll just tell you when Ryotarou is here. Bye Amou!" I said and hang up.
I exhale and flip my phone closed but then it rang again.
"Amou, I'm sorry but can I talk to you later, I'm a little tired and—" "Kaho? This is Miranda." Miranda's voice came. "O-Oh... sorry." I felt my cheeks blush, "I thought you were my friend Amou." Miranda giggled, "Your reporter friend? Well sorry to disappoint you sweetie. Anyway, are you going to work today? Pass by at least? Or are you going to use this day in your allowed leaves?" Miranda asked.
"Am I needed?" I asked. "Well, we need your help in this certain photo shoot. I mean, you are art director." Miranda said before mouthing a soft, "Put these papers in the table please." "Alright, I'll go now. I'll see you in about half an hour." I said and put the phone down and go to the master bedroom to get ready.
"Finally! We need help!" Kathy runs to me as I get down from the car. I was wearing white strapped gladiator sandals and a long sleeved white dress that reached to just above my knee. It had a v-neck collar but it wasn't too low. The long sleeves were bell sleeves. I had my hair in a ponytail and I had my Gucci shades on as a headband. I put my red Coach bag on my shoulder just as Kathy called me.
"Well aren't we fashionable as usual." Kathy said, putting her hands on her hips with a smile. She was wearing a black long sleeved shirt with ruffles as a collar and the end of her sleeves were ruffles too. Her pans were a pinstripe grey and she had stilettos on. Her hair was down it fell just on her shoulders like silk.
"Have you been waiting long? I'm sorry, I had a lot of things to fix before I left." I said, walking towards Kathy and both of us walked towards the entrance of the building. "So, how was the appointment?" she asked as we walked past the reception booth. "We're having a girl, isn't it exciting?" I said, pressing on the elevator button.
"Oh really? That's great! I guess you're going to shop for a pram now and create a very adorable pink room?" Kathy said, giggling as we made our way inside the golden elevator. "Maybe. I'm pretty excited." I said and Kathy nodded.
The elevator was taking its time going up the 15th floor which was the studio. Kathy cleared her throat, "So, you pick all your maternity clothes?" she asked. I looked at her, a bit confused. "Uhm, yes... why? Do I look terrible?" I asked nervously. Kathy laughed, "On the contrary, you look amazing each time I see you. You're very beautiful, glowing in fact. I guess the pregnancy added to an already attractive woman." She replied and I smiled, "Thank you."
"So... does Len compliment you too?" she asked, not looking at me. "Well, he does and I always thought it was because he just wanted to not touch my sensitive spots. When you're pregnant, you get cranky right? It's funny really but I think he means it." I said and I look up. We're near.
"I see... well, he isn't with you right now, is he at work?" Kathy asked. I nodded, "Yeah and he's going to practice the violin when he gets home, it's his usual routine." Kathy nodded. She seemed sad... but not exactly. I couldn't put my finger into it.
The elevator doors open and we arrive at the reception of the 15th floor next to double doors leading to the big studio. "Well, I wouldn't mind seeing him again." Kathy said, taking out her mobile phone, punched numbers and put it on her ear.
I arrived at home, tired since I had to direct a lot of the models for the shoot and I guess it was also because I was pregnant. It was nine in the evening and I made my way to the music room where I knew Len would be. I knock a couple of times.
"Len?" I open the door and find him sitting on the couch, his violin next to him and he was reading what seemed to be his score. His head was resting on his hand and he had one leg crossed over the other. He looked up at me, "How was work, sweetheart?" he asked, removing his head from his hand.
I walk to him, "Good. The photo shoot turned out well. I'm going to work tomorrow too ok? I have paperwork to fix and we have to brainstorm." I said, finally in front of him. Len nodded and put his score on his violin. He then looked up at me and rested his hands on my not-so-big-but-almost-big bump. "Baby ok?" he asked, rubbing my bump a bit.
"Yes, she is." I said, proud that I know my baby is a girl. Len smiled a tired smile, "Come here." He said and patted his thighs for me to sit on. I obliged, sitting on his lap and he cradled me. "I love you both so much." He whispered but loud enough for only me to hear. I smiled, "And we both love you, Len." I said, planting a small kiss on his forehead.
"Ryotarou's arriving in a couple of hours, I reminded Henry." I said, holding Len's hand. "Mhmmm." Len replied. I cupped his face, "Go to bed Len, you look tired." I said and he smiled his adorable boyish smile, "Just a little longer. Can I stay just a bit longer with my wife?" he looked like he was pleading.
I couldn't resist.
"Fine." I said but I stood up making Len look confused. "Why did you get up?" he asked. I winked and took his violin and positioned it, starting to play the Ave Maria. Len looked at me and I was looking at him. He smiled and stared at me, "Beautiful." He said as he leaned back and closed his eyes.
After a bit, I stopped, "How was that?" I asked, "Did I sound stupid?" Len opened his eyes and stood up right in front of me. "Yes. Very." He said and took the violin away from me, grabbing me for a kiss.
I was surprised but then I wrapped my arms around his neck and he hugged me tightly, kissing me still. "I love you so much Kahoko. Nothing in the world will tear me apart from you. And I also will love our daughter and we will both see her grow beautifully." He said.
I cup his face, "Len, are you alright? I know you're tired but did something happen?" I asked. Len smiled, "Nothing yet but I'll tell you all about it when everything is settled, ok? I promise." He replied. I look into his eyes and smile. I guess it's a good thing. I plant a small kiss on his lips, "Let's go clean up. We'll be seeing Ryotarou in less than an hour." I said and I started to fix his violin.
I sit down on the leather sofa in the main den and exhale loudly. I think Ryotarou doesn't know that I'm pregnant. This thought made me giggle. I was a bit excited trying to think of his reaction when I tell him the news. Besides that, the gender is also big news. It was almost ten-thirty and I smile. He's arriving soon. The airport is about thirty minutes away. According to Len, his flight was on time.
The doorbell rang.
"Looks like he's here. I'll open the door, sweetheart, don't strain yourself." Len said, planting a kiss on my forehead before walking towards the double doors.
And that's chapter three :) read and review so can post the next chapter already! Haha!