Chapter Four: At Peace In The Moment
As Miroku and I took our seats beside each other in the small group, the lady leading the group - we called her Ms. Kanami - clapped her hands together, smiling at everyone.
"Great, now that we are all here, we can begin." She said joyfully, smiling widely at everyone again. "Today we are going to reminisce on memories we've had through out our lives. And those of you who have lost someone close to you, you may tell us about a memory you've had with that person."
Ms. Kanami sighed, smiling lightly and looking around the group. "Now. Who wants to volunteer to go first?" She asked no one in particular.
A younger male, a little older then my raised his hand shyly saying, "I'll go first."
Ms. Kanami smiled widely and nodded her head at the male. "All right Jet. Go ahead when your ready."
Jet nodded at her and took a deep breath. "When I was little, my mom and dad would take me and my little sister and older brother boating at the bay near the house we lived in. Dad was real fond of his boats and whenever he got the chance, he'd always get a bigger boat. And I loved going boating with the family." He finished, closing his eyes and clasping his hands together, remembering the moment.
I was touched by his declaration. It was heart warming. Probably because I had similar memories with my family, and I could relate. I smiled at him, wondering why he was in this place.
"Thank you for you story Jet, "Ms. Kanami said, "But I think you told us that one last time we shared stories." She smiled warmly at him, and looked at me, smiling just as warmly at him.
That seemed to get her attention. "Do you have something you'd like to share, Kagome?" She asked me.
I took my eyes off of Jet, and looked at her, knowing exactly what memory I wanted to share with her, and the group. I'd been decimating my brain since Miroku had brought it up, and as we walked down the hall towards the group, it came to me. I knew what memory I would share today.
I flipped my hair back over my shoulder and smiled, "Of course Ms. Kanami." I told her, sitting up straight and clearing my throat to begin. "When I was much younger, maybe about seven years ago...I was ten," I started, remembering way back then, "I heard a song my dad was listening to." I felt a smile on my face, and the tears began to pool in my eyes. Miroku took my hand and squeezed it gently, smiling an encouraging smile.
"It was the most beautiful song I'd ever heard. There were no words, just the divine sounds of a piano symphony coming through the speakers. It was so inspiring to me that I told my dad that I absolutely had to learn how to play like the person I was hearing at that very moment." I took a deep breath, glad that the tears hadn't fallen yet. I didn't feel like displaying my emotions in front of everyone. I blinked back the tears and continued.
"He took me to a class a few times for a lesson and one day on the way home he told me that I wouldn't be attending that class any longer." I laughed, remembering the tantrum I threw after that.
"I was so angry with him, until we got home and I realized why I wouldn't be taking lessons anymore. I walked into the family room and right in front of me was the most exquisite..." I swallowed loudly as my emotions overcame me and the tears began to fall. My father was known for his kindness and I'd never forget how many times he'd been kind to me.
My lip quivered and Miroku squeezed my hand again, reminding me he was here for me. I nodded at him and continued with a shaky voice. "There was the most exquisite Baby Grand Piano I'd ever seen. My dad went out and bought it for me. I remember being so confused before he explained that he'd be teaching me from then on. My father turned out to be even more skillful then my last teacher and I was more then grateful for the extra time we had together.
"He taught me everything about the piano and how to read the music and notes and how to perform a masterpiece perfectly." I sighed, looking at Miroku's hand intertwined with my own. "My father was the kindest person I've ever met." I told everyone, looking up at Ms. Kanami once again. "Well, that's it." I said, shrugging.
She had a smile on her face. I guess she enjoyed my story.
"Thank you for that touching story, Kagome. You'll have to show us all how talented you are sometime soon." She said, then a light exploded in her eyes and she smiled more brightly, "I know! We shall have a talent show and everyone can perform."
When everyone around the group nodded at the idea, she smiled proudly and looked at me again, "What do you say Kagome? Will you perform for us?" She asked, almost desperately.
I looked at Miroku, for some sort of guidance, and he just smiled and nodded. "Okay." I said, shrugging again.
She clapped her hands saying, "Oh good. It's set then. We will have the talent show on Sunday. So everyone rehearse!" She took a deep breath and looked at Miroku. "Okay, moving on. Miroku. How about you share now?"
Miroku looked at the ground, and now it was my turn to reassure and encourage him. I squeezed his hand gently and saw a smile spread across his face. He nodded and began with his story.
He told of the time he'd taken his little sister to the park to teach her how to fly a kite. His sister was so excited about learning to fly her own kite that she ran out into traffic when her kite got away from her. Miroku had pushed her out of the way just in time and had been hit by a car, but it barely did any damage besides leaving a bruise on his leg.
He had scolded his little sister about staying away from the streets and made her cry but he made her feel better by tickling her and telling her she had abandoned her kite. She was careful to stay away from the street from then on out, and got really good with the kite flying. He told the group about how proud he was of her and how proud she was of herself. Their parents had been very proud as well when they went home to show them what she'd accomplished.
Miroku had stayed strong throughout his story and only had trouble when he retold the part about him yelling at her and het crying, but once again I was there to reassure him.
I was impressed with Miroku's strength and touched by his story. I was able to imagine everything as he went into detail and I found myself lost in a dream as I watched Miroku teaching his young sister how to fly a kite. I watched as they laughed together and teased each other. I watched as the little girl's eyes lit up with pride and accomplishment as she got the hand of flying the kite. And I watched as Miroku looked on with pride and love for his siter. I felt so much bliss and happiness in that moment alone that my own pain was momentarily subdued.
"That's my memory for today." I heard Miroku say, and I opened my eyes. A smile was spread across my face and I turned to Miroku, speaking before Ms. Kanami had the chance to.
"That was so beautiful Miroku." I told him, smiling from ear to ear. "I loved it."
He looked at me, with light in his eyes, and smiled. "Thanks, Kagome."
I only nodded and turned back to the group, awaiting the next story. The rest of the group shared similar stories of happiness and before we knew it, it was time for lunch. Miroku and I had skipped out on breakfast, but we were both hungry by lunch, so we skipped off towards the cafeteria to get our food.
"I didn't know you could play the piano." Miroku said, looking at me with an easy smile on his face.
I shrugged my shoulders. "Yeah, I guess it never came up." I told him, then I got an idea. "Hey! We should perform together at the talent show. I could play the piano and you can sing. You have an amazing voice." I told him truthfully.
He looked at me confused as to how I knew this about him.
I giggled and told him about the time I heard him singing one night when he thought I was asleep. I didn't tell him then that I overheard him almost every night.
"We could even do that song too." I told him. "It went something like, 'Nobody said it was easy. It's such a shame for us to part.' Or something along those lines." I said, smiling at him as we got in line to get lunch. I knew he'd know exactly what I was talking about. He sang the same song every night.
His eyes lit up in recognition and he smiled, "The Scientist? Really?"
I nodded, smiling wider. I knew it must have some special meaning to him. I'd heard him listen to it once, and fell in love with the instrumentals instantly. "Definitely. It would be perfect. I'll play and you can sing." I told him.
"Do you even know that song?" He asked me, wonder in his eyes.
"Well, not quite, but I've heard it once, and I'm a quick learner. I can learn just by listening to it. Please please please?!" I begged, grabbing a hold of his arms and giving him the puppy dog pout as I bounced up and down lightly.
He smiled and rolled his eyes. "Okay, but we'll have to practice today and tomorrow and as much as we can Sunday."
"Yes!" I shouted, raising my right arm in the air into a fist. "Okay, we're going to be great."
The rest of the day went by quickly, as Miroku and I spent hours practicing and learning. He and I were a great team, and as I learned the notes of the song, and played them while he sang the words, I couldn't help but feel at peace in the moment. We really were going to be freat together at the talent show.
The sun finally fell in the sky and the moon rose, allowing the stars to shine in the sky. It wasn't that easy to see them in the city, but they shined boldly tonight, giving me a sense of hope I hadn't felt in weeks.
"Well, I suppose it's time we get to bed." Miroku said, yawning. "We have a big day tomorrow."
I was meeting Miroku's mother tomorrow, and I was very excited about that. I smiled at Miroku, and nodded, following him out of the room and down the hall to where our beds awaited us. After getting through my nightly routine, I lied my head down on the pillow and was overcome by sleep almost instantly. But not before hearing Miroku singing his song, almost silently in the dark.
I know! I can dedicate the song to those we lost, at the talent show.
It was a perfect idea. Those were my lst thoughts before I drifted into another peaceful sleep. Since Miroku came into my life, I'd been sleeping easier and having less nightmares. I still had nightmares, and when I had them, they were horrible, but they happened less frequently now. And for that I was thankful.
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"Kagome." I heard someone whisper. "Wake up, Kagome." I felt someone lightly shaking me and I opened my eyes slowly to see Miroku standing over me, smiling.
"It's time to get up silly. You sleep like a rock, you know?" He said, laughing at my sleeping habits.
"My dad always said that." I said, smiling a little myself.
"Well you better get up and get ready. My mom will be here soon."
At that I was out of bed and throwing my clothes around the room like a wild bear destroying some poor families camp sight. Miroku laughed at me and put his hand on my shoulder.
"Easy tiger. You don't want to hurt yourself now." He said, still laughing.
I nodded once and sighed, then laughed alone with him at my antics. I looked around the room and spotted my royal blue sweater dress and decided to put that on. I spun Miroku around so he wouldn't see me while I was semi exposed and threw on the dress quickly, pulling half of my hair up into a clip and letting the rest flow down my back. I slipped on my white sandals and grabbed Miroku by the hand pulling him along as I ran out of the room.
"Wha-?" He asked, confused. He hadn't realized I was changing my clothes, and I'd done it so quickly it had startled him.
He laughed, "Well I guess you don't waste any time do you." He met my pace and I laughed with him.
"Of course not. This is an important day! Now how do I look?" I asked coming to a halt, shocking him once again.
I followed his eyes as he looked me up and down.
"You look stunning, as always." He said smiling.
"Your sure? It's not too much?" I asked him, looking down at myself.
He laughed at me again, "You look fine."
"Okay. Come on!" I said, grabbing his hand again, and pulling him through the door to the cafeteria.
I wanted to be full before I met his mother. No point in being embarrassed by the growls of an empty stomach. We were just in time for breakfast and I pulled Miroku into the line with me. I finally took the time to notice what Miroku was wearing. In all my haste this morning, I'd barely even glanced at him.
He was wearing a royal blue button up shirt and a pair of snug fitting dark wash jeans. His shirt brought out his eyes and he really looked nice today. I said as much and he laughed, thanking me. That's when I noticed something.
"We match." I pointed out, laughing again. He looked at me and then down at himself before smiling.
"Yeah I guess we do." He let out another snicker and pulled me along as the line moved.
I had a feeling today was going to be a good day.
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Breakfast and everything after breakfast passed by pretty quickly as Miroku and I awaited his mothers arrival.
When she finally did get here, I was so excited to finally meet her that I was pretty much jumping out of my own skin with the excitement. Miroku laughed at me and told me to calm down or I'd probably make her think I was on some kind of drug. He was most likely right, so I did my best to reign in my joy for this occasion and calm down. You know what they say about first impressions.
As the woman who called herself Miroku's mother walked into the room we were seated in, I couldn't help but smile brightly at her. Miroku stood and walked over to her to give her a hug.
"I missed you mom." I heard him say to her.
"Oh, I miss you too honey." She replied, hugging him tightly to her.
She released him and looked up at me with the same beautiful blue eyes Miroku had and smiled.
"Well who is this Miroku?" She asked, gesturing to me.
He smiled proudly at her and looked at me, "Mom, this is Kagome Higurashi. Kagome, this is my mom."
"Hello." I said, smiling shyly at her now. I stood to shake her hand and she came at me for a hug instead.
I stiffened instinctively but relaxed immediately and hugged her back affectionately.
"You can call me Shiori..." She said to me before releasing me from the hug. "Or mom." She laughed, "Most of Miroku's friends called me their second mom."
I looked at this woman I just met, and couldn't help but love her already. If she was anything like Miroku, and she already seemed to be, then I'd love her like my own mother in no time. I truly was a blessed person to know Miroku and now his mother.
I nodded my head at her, smiling. "Okay." I said.
"Miroku has told me so much about you." She told me, stepping away from me to take a good look.
"Oh, you are such a pretty girl, Kagome." She told me bluntly.
I felt my blush rise to my cheeks and looked down at the floor. "Thanks, Mrs. Shiori."
"Mom." Miroku told her, pleading with her to stop all the praising.
She laughed again, but complied. She looked at me seriously now, all signs of her previous tranquility gone, "I'm very sorry for your loss Kagome. I hope your doing okay." Mrs. Shiori said to me, grabbing my hand in hers. "I know that Miroku is doing a lot better with you here." She told me, looking at Miroku with a smile on her face.
She brightened, then, "I think that once you get out of here, Kagome, I'll take Miroku out as well."
"Really?!" Miroku and I said at the same time. We both looked at each other, smiling widely.
This was great. We'd get out of here together and start school with each others strength to get through the day. We'd both been so worried that one of us was going to get out before the other and have to go on on our own until the release of the one of us still locked up. Now we didn't have to worry about that.
Mrs. Shiroi nodded her head and smiled widely at our excitement. "Yes, I believe I'm going to do that." She said.
The rest of our visit went by extremely well. Mrs. Shiori was a great woman and I knew exactly where Miroku got his kind heart from. I instantly liked the woman and knew we'd be friends forever as well as Miroku and I.
We were both still extremely excited about getting out together, and all we could talk about were future plans of our days ahead once we finally did get out of here. I only hope it'd be soon.
One more week... I thought to myself. I hope.
Miroku and I practiced our routine for the talent show a bit more and after it got late, we finally decided to go to bed.
On the walk back to our room, all I could think about was doing my best tomorrow at the talent show. I wanted to do my best for my father. I wanted to show everyone that he had taught me well and how proud of his I was. I wanted to make him proud as he watched me from heaven. And that's exactly what I was going to do.
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I awoke once again to someone gently shaking me.
"Wake up sleepy head." I heard Miroku say softly.
I smiled and opened my eyes slightly. "How is it that you wake up before me all the time? I mean, I thought guys were the ones who liked to sleep in." I laughed quietly.
He smiled back at me and shrugged his shoulders. "Force of habit, I suppose." He replied. "Now up, up. We need to practice some more before this afternoon."
I nodded my head and got up slowly, stretching every limb on my body. It felt good to stretch. "All right, I'm up. What are you wearing today? We should try to match again for the talent show. What do you think?" I asked Miroku as he stared at me respectfully.
"Hm." He said, looking up and touching his chin. "I think we should wear black. I'll wear a black button up and a pair of nice jeans. Do you have a black dress?" He asked, looking at me now.
I thought of the clothes I brought and smiled, remembering the black dress I did indeed bring with me. I nodded my head and he smiled too.
"Great!" He said, "Now get ready, I'll be in the bathroom."
Miroku got off his bed and headed for his dresser. He took out his bathroom and shower items and the clothes he was going to wear today and headed off towards the bathroom showers. I got up and collected my own shower items. These items consisted of coconut shampoo and conditioner and vanilla body wash. I grabbed a pair of flip flops and my own clothing for today and headed off to the showers.
After I was ready for today I stepped up to the mirror to take a look at myself. I let the natural wave me hair had take over today, and my onyx hair waving gently down my back looked good against my snow white skin and raven dress. I loved this dress a lot. It was strapless and flowed to mid thigh in the front and eased into more length as it wrapped around my legs. In the back it dropped low all the way to the floor. The material was satiny and the dress itself was really comfortable.
I was saving this dress for when I got out of this place, but the even tonight seemed more appropriate. I put my silver sandals on, lacing them up my legs the way they were supposed to be, and was ready to go.
I walked out the door and found Miroku leaning against the wall waiting for me.
"It took you long enou--" He stopped mid sentence and his eyes widened when he looked at me.
I blushed furiously and looked at the floor. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, slightly uncomfortable under his scrutinizing gaze.
He cleared his throat and regained his composure. "Sorry. You just look absolutely amazing." He answered.
"Oh." I said, smoothing my palms over the material on my legs. "Thanks."
He laughed nervously. "Yeah, no problem."
We both walked back to the bedroom so I could put my things away. Once that was done, we headed towards the cafeteria to grab some lunch before the talent show started. I had to admit, I was a bit nervous about performing in front of everyone, but I was a strong girl, and I was doing this for my father, and Miroku's father and sister as well, and I would be strong and do my very best for them.
I smiled at the thought of my father looking down on me from somewhere high above. The feeling that gave me, almost made me believe I'd never lost him to begin with; that he'd been here the whole time and always would be. I clung to that feeling.
Miroku and I finished our lunch quickly and headed off to the room with the piano in it in order to get a few more practice rounds in before the big show. We were still doing fantastic, and I had no doubt in my mind that we'd do just fine at the show.
"I'm nervous. Are you?" Miroku asked suddenly.
I looked at him and blinked. I explained to him that I was doing this for the ones we lost and though I was nervous, I'd be strong for them as they watched me spill my heart for them. Miroku instantly relaxed as my words sunk in.
"That's brilliant Kagome." He said, nodding. "Thanks for sharing that with me. It's what I needed to hear."
I smiled encouragingly at him and nodded, "Anytime Miroku."
We both turned to look at the door as someone opened it and stuck their head in. It was Ms. Kanami.
"You two about ready? We're going to start soon and you are the second act on stage." She told us.
"Of course Ms. Kanami. We'll be right there." Miroku assured her.
She nodded and walked out of the room.
"Ready?" He asked, looking at me.
"Definitely." I said, smiling. I held my hand out to him and he took it laughing.
As we walked towards the cafeteria where the talent show was being held, we could hear the sound of the first act on stage. We walked in and I saw that one of the people I didn't know was telling jokes as his talent. He was pretty funny, but his jokes were a little rusty. None the less everyone laughed and enjoyed themselves anyways.
Once the joke master on stage finished his jokes, Ms. Kanami walked up on stage and announced that she needed the piano to be moved to the platform for the next act. A few of the orderlies helped make this happen, and as everyone got settled back in, she called for Miroku and I to take our places on stage, which we did so.
"Good luck." We both whispered to each other. Before taking my seat at the bench, I walked up beside Miroku and leaned towards the microphone.
"This song...we want to dedicate it to the loved ones we lost so suddenly. Too suddenly. This song is for my father." I said, then looked at Miroku, who leaned into the mic now. "And my father and little sister." He said, finished my small speech.
With that said, I took my place at the piano and Miroku positioned himself in front of the mic.
"This song is called 'The Scientist' by Coldplay."
I started to play the piano, and this time it wasn't like practicing. This time around I played with all of my heart and soul. I played with all that I had. No holding back. I felt my soul go into this song for my father and Miroku's loved ones. And when I heard him begin to sing, I knew he was thinking the same thing as I. As he sang, I sang the words along in my head, and I didn't miss a note on the keys under my fingertips either.
Come up to meet you.
Tell you I'm sorry.
You don't know how lovely you are.
I had to find you.
Tell you I need you.
Tell you I set you apart.
Miroku truly did sound amazing right now. I could tell he wasn't holding anything back. He sounded like a god. It inspired me.
Tell me your secrets,
and ask me your questions.
Oh let's go back to the start.
Running in circles.
Coming up tails.
Heads on a science apart.
This was a good choice of song for both of us. We both felt so uplifted and good about this song while we practiced it. It was just right. We knew that. Dad, I hope you can see this right now. This is all for you. I love you. I struggled to hold back tears as Miroku began singing the chorus.
Nobody said it was easy.
It's such a shame for us to part.
Nobody said it was easy.
No one ever said it would be this hard.
Oh take me back to the start.
I was in awe at how well Miroku was doing. He truly was a strong person. And here I was losing my grip, nearly drowning in tears all because of a talent show and a set of lyrics that made my heart ache every time I truly listened to the words. I took a deep breath, trying to control my emotions and moved along to the next verse.
I was just guessing,
the numbers and figures.
Pulling the puzzles apart.
Questions of science.
Science and progress.
Do not speak as loud as my heart.
This was the hardest part for me. This next verse got me every time, and I knew I'd surely lose it after this verse. I had to stay strong though and I had to finish this song as strongly as I had started it. I prepared myself.
But tell me you love me.
Come back and haunt me.
Oh and I rush to the start.
Running in circles.
Chasing our tails.
Coming back as we are.
That did it. I sprung a leak and my vision began to blur instantly. Those first few words cut me deep every time. All I wanted was to hear my dad tell me he loved me one more time. More then anything I wanted to see him again. I blinked back the tears and choked back the anguish and continued the song.
Nobody said it was easy.
Oh it's such a shame for us to part.
Nobody said it was easy.
No one ever said it would be so hard.
I'm going back to the start.
With the last word out of Miroku's mouth, I finished my part strong. I was so proud of both of us, and when I was finished, I stood quickly and ran to Miroku, smiling through my tears, and hugged him tightly.
As I looked into his eyes, I noticed the emotions going on inside of him as well.
"It's okay to cry Miroku." I told him as a single tear slid down his cheek.
He smiled at me and a small laugh escaped his lips. He took my hand and we bowed at the audience who were clapping and cheering for us. I truly was proud of Miroku and I was proud of myself for being so strong.
"Come on." Miroku said, as he pulled me off stage and towards the exit.
"Where are we going?" I asked him, curious. It had gotten a little later by then and the sun was starting to fall in the distance, turning the sky many vibrant colors of red, pink, blue and violet. It was breath taking as I glanced out the window. I never got to truly appreciate it though because Miroku was dragging me along behind him, almost running to get to his destination.
"It's a surprise. I want to show you something almost as beautiful as you." He replied still dragging me behind him.
I blushed again and sighed at his cryptic reply. If I was being honest with myself, I was a bit worried as to where exactly he was taking me.
"You'll love it. I promise." He called back, as we climbed another set of stairs.