A Promise Kept
Chapter 3 – With A Little Help from Setsuna
Breaking from my reverie, I feel my hand grope the empty space next to me. It's cold. I open my dreamy eyes only to see that you aren't beside me. Where have you gone, Michiru? It's as though yesterday night never happened. Why do you pretend like you're okay? You can't fool me. I can tell that you long for it deeply. Sigh. They never teach you this in high school. Maybe I should talk to Setsuna. Yeah, I'll do that. If anyone could help it's her. I get ready quickly, hoping to catch her before she leaves for the lab. Good, she's still eating breakfast. As usual, the morning paper is propped up in front of her.
"Morning," she greets without looking up from the news. Not knowing how to break the topic to her, I hastily blurt out, "anything of interest?" Setsuna put down the article slowly and scan me with raised eyebrows.
"And since when have you been interested in current issues?" She quizzes. The expression on her face tells me that she knows something is up. No point in going around the subject now. I pour myself a cup of freshly brewed coffee and sit down across from her.
"Has Michiru said anything to you lately?" I ask uncomfortably, staring at the cup wrapped in my hands. With careful measure, Setsuna folds the morning paper into a neat pile and focuses her attention on me.
"You mean about her wanting a baby," she states as a matter of fact. I raise my head abruptly. She can be quite sharp at times.
"So you know, eh?" I say, slightly red. She just smiles wisely.
"And what do you plan on doing?" "Actually, I was going to ask you," I admit with a small smirk. She sighs.
"I know this is an issue between the two of you, but she came to me for advice," she recalls. I give her a look to go on. "In your situation, I could only give her one possible solution"
"And that is?" I ask hesitantly, on the edge of my seat.
"A test tube baby," she replies slowly. "I could get a sperm from an anonymous donor and fertilize it before putting it into Michiru." I am taken aback at first. Never thought of that one.
"When I told her this idea last night, she declined it, saying that you would probably not like that," she continues. "I think she's given up on the whole idea by the tone of her voice." I couldn't believe it. You're always thinking about me. No wonder you tried acting so normally. Silly Michiru. Do you really think I am so selfish?
"Unless you'd like to try the alternate solution…" Setsuna hints light-heartedly.
"Very funny, Setsuna," I say sarcastically as I mull the idea over in my head. It could work. But the more I think about it the more jealous I become. After all, it won't be MY baby.
"She knew you'd be jealous," Setsuna couldn't help but comment, seeing the look on my face. I turn defensive.
"Well, how would you feel if you were in my place?" I lean back in my chair calmly. But the donor is anonymous after all. I could try to put my jealousy aside. Why not? I'm doing it for Michiru. "I-I just want her to be happy," I finally utter.
"So you have no objection?" I could tell she is hiding her scepticism.
"How can I? When all I ever wanted was to give her everything she deserves!" I burst out emotionally, letting my desires show. A smile erases her smirk.
"Don't tell me that, tell Michiru," she says looking past me. I take in a quick breath. Turning swiftly in my chair, I stand up to be face to face with your compassionate features. Michiru…
To be continued...