Dispirited Sonata
SUMMARY:"With this series of calamitous events, it turned my life upside down, tossed and turned me, creating a whirling storm in me, and made me fall into ruins."
Of all the ordinary days, Hino Kahoko's life as a common General Education student turned into a life she didn't expected and didn't even bother considering. Living inside a very big and vast villa, wearing extravagant clothes and high heeled shoes, learning etiquette when eating at a five-star restaurant and what the hell? An engagement!
And where are the guys, anyway?
DISCLAIMER:I don't own La Corda D'oro and the characters.
Chapter 4 –
Kahoko's POV
"It would be better if you won't stick too close to Taiki-sama, Kahoko-sama." Ryuu, the family's butler, says. Somehow, I wasn't surprised to hear that kind of words from him, knowing that I am an illegitimate child, after all, and I can personally tell it because just in the airplane flying to nowhere, I am sitting beside our butler and he was meters away from us. I can see now that taking in an illegitimate child causes so much uproar, especially in the business world. "Taiki-sama will find an opportunity to formally introduce you, Kahoko-sama. It's just that, now is not the right time."
"I get your point, Ryuu-san." I say. "However, I don't see the point why should I be taken in by him. If it's out of pity, then I highly doubt that he has plans for me in the future, right, Ryuu-san?"
Ryuu-san chuckled. "Kahoko-sama, your father, Taiki-sama, is a very intelligent person. He spent a lot of money hiring the best possible lawyers for your hearing. I am absolutely certain that he has a lot of things planned for you in his mind." He said. "Anyway, the trip is still far from finish. If you request for anything, Kahoko-sama, please do not hesitate to tell me." I gave him a slight nod of appreciation and a smile then I proceeded to lean on my arm. "Ryuu-san, was meeting my mother a huge mistake for Dad?" I asked in a soft whisper.
"Taiki-sama did not. However, I am not permitted to speak words any further regarding this matter, Kahoko-sama. I humbly apologize." He answered. I gave him a kind nod and proceeded to plug my earphones in my ear and play dull repetitive music from my handy music player.
"Thanks, Ryuu-san. I guess I should just ask Dad directly, huh?"
Everything happened really fast. As for me, it's incomprehensible. I have no idea where this upheaval is going and my heart is painfully wincing.
"I love you. I love you. I love you." Tsukimori-kun whispered continuously in my ear.
Remembering such things makes my heart skip a beat and even crush it painfully. Tsukimori-kun was in so much pain when I loosened my hands in his. It was as if he doesn't like to let go of my hand. To be honest, that time, I never wanted to see his face because I know that I am stupid enough to suddenly blurt out my feelings despite being known as a dense person. Perhaps, seeing that tragic turn of events, I am really sure that Tsukimori-kun and I were not meant for each other. Incoherent, dull music continued to play in my music player; however, it was dominated by his sweet, velvet voice whispering to me.
I was snapped back from my reverie when I was called by Ryuu-san in a somber approach. "Taiki-sama specifically primed your schedule once we arrive in Paris." He said. When I consider what he said, I am automatically unplugged my earphones and plunged into confusion. Never in my life have I considered someone arranging a schedule for me, apart from class schedule, that is.
"Ryuu-san, what schedule are you talking about?" I inquired. "Setting that aside, what will purposely happen in Paris?"
"By the time we arrive in Paris, Taiki-sama will convene with Haruka-sama, your stepmother, and Shouei-sama, your older brother." He said methodically. "Moreover, a set of formal clothes are already organized for you, Kahoko-sama."
"Is this some kind of gathering? Am I indisputably encouraged to attend?" I asked once again. Ryuu-san nodded slowly and mouthed the words. "Definitely, it's a family dinner." Before I can even protest on how exhausted and weary I am, I couldn't find my voice and I felt a diminutive nervousness building up in my chest. To suddenly meet the other family is tremendously nerve-wrecking. "Anything more after the family dinner, Ryuu-san?" I inquired.
"There will be a press conference in the Paris branch of Taiki-sama's company; conversely, your presence in the press conference is not necessary. I will be driving you home together with Shouei-sama. Haruka-sama will be accompanying Taiki-sama in the press conference." He replied and the back of my mind shouted "Relief!" and words tantamount to it. "Thanks, Ryuu-san. Will I have another set of schedule tomorrow?" I said.
He gave me an irresolute nod. "I couldn't guarantee that your timetable tomorrow will not be as light as today, milady." He said. "There are a lot of things to manage before you enter school this year but I assure you that Taiki-sama predetermined everything beforehand."
"I see. Thank you so much, Ryuu-san." I said, and I felt a prick of disappointment and melancholy. He really is serious in taking me in as his child. I'm like this stray cat along the streets and perhaps, just maybe, out of pity Dad took it for expediency sake. I can't manage to think how awfully hard it is in Dad's world. Maybe I should not expect too much freedom or such.
A slow hand waved at Ryuu-san, which appears to be Dad's hand. Ryuu-san gave a low nod at me and went towards the direction of Dad's chair. He whispered considerably short words and shot a short look at me. Before I knew it, he stopped talking to Ryuu-san and gave me a bright beam and turned back in front.
-x
I exited the plane earlier than Dad with Ryuu-san and Kaname-san, one of Dad's exclusive bodyguards and I slowly pulled my luggage along the smooth tiles of the airport floor. I wore a darkly tinted sunglasses and a black hood, leaving the airport in incognito. I did not give any particular concern on whatever is happening in the ambiance of the world class airport. Nonetheless, the photographers, interviewers and the press swarming around Dad did catch my attention, taking stochastic photos of him as he walks out of the airport doors. Through the low volume of my music player, some tabloid interviewers were eagerly asking him impulsive and discourteous questions regarding me and his private family life.
"What made you take a naive child from your woman from your past relationship? Why did you take a sudden interest on this child in the first place?"
"Who is this child, sir? Would you let us have glimpse of her?"
Kaname-san and Ryuu-san took me as far as possible from Dad, away from the eye of the public media. "Taiki-sama specifically instructed us to leave ahead of time. It was greatly expected that a swarm of reporters and photographers will be greeting him in the airport." Ryuu-san said, taking me out of the airport as discreetly as possible. "I guess being a red haired girl stands out too much, right?" I japed. Ryuu-san gave me an approving bob and continued to walk as hastily as possible to prevent the eyes of the media.
"Definitely, Kahoko-sama really did take a lot of noticeable features from Taiki-sama like that pair of golden eyes and red hair." He replied. "Despite coming and being raised from an average family, Kahoko-sama, you are truly beautiful. Those were the words of Taiki-sama. He was absolutely thankful to your mother for raising such a daughter." I wonder if those words that Ryuu-san told me were all lies and jokes but a part of me was telling it is positively factual and genuine.
"So, where are heading now? Will Dad follow us?" I questioned.
"There has been a major change in the plans today. We are definitely sorry for not informing you earlier, Kahoko-sama. It appears that Taiki-sama has cancelled the family dinner since the press is hovering around and hanging about the Haruka-sama's hotel. It is majorly impossible to enter and exit the hotel without attracting the attention of the media." Ryuu-san muttered. "We will discreetly move you to Taiki-sama's residence in the outskirts of Paris."
"Oh. I see." I said, a hint of both disappointment and relief washed over me. Ryuu-san and Kaname-san led me through the exit where we found Dad standing beside a black car. He appears to be talking with someone in his cellular phone, his expression undeniably serious. When he saw us approaching, he closed his cellular phone and his expression progressively changed. "I'm sorry, Kaho. The press has been chasing and chasing me ever since I travelled back to Japan. Perhaps being incognito would be the best solution as of the moment, well, until the press conference will be finished." He placed his soft, warm hand on my hair and slowly stroked it. "This is not the kind of future I was supposed to build for you as my daughter."
"It's okay." I said stoically. "It's fine." I immediately brushed off his hand from my head and turned away. Apparently, I still cannot forgive him from taking me away from my family and from the person whom I love the most.
Kaname-san opened the passenger's door of the black car and he extended his hand to retrieve my luggage from me. Dad signaled me to enter the black car before the press would get a hold of me. "Shouei, your brother, is at home. I already spoke to him that you will be home in less than an hour." He muttered softly before closing the door with a soft thud. The door adjacent me opened and Ryuu-san occupied the seat beside me, Kaname-san took the front seat beside the driver while the apparent driver took the seat just in front of the steering wheel. Moments later, the car sped up through the towering lights of Paris.
-x
It took us around forty minutes to arrive at the residence of the Hino line in the outskirts of Paris. The door beside me opened and Ryuu-san smiled as I got out of the car. What I witnessed at this particular moment is beyond unimaginable. There were wide rows and columns of green bushes growing with peonies flourishing endlessly. The sight of well-tended and landscaped garden took my attention as we passed by directly in front of it and the house, er, mansion was beyond extensive and soaring.
"Your father had personally tended the garden for almost sixteen years now. I came across the fact that your dear sweet mother loved peonies, didn't she?" Ryuu-san mumbled as I gape at the phenomenal house. "It has been quite noticeable that Taiki-sama held your mother dearly, if I am not mistaken. Although I am forbidden to speak of this, I very know deep in my heart that you, Kahoko-sama, must know this." I quickly glanced up to the old man, his eyes were unwavering. I couldn't argue with him, Ryuu-san's words were clearly ingenuous.
"Is that so?" Were the only words I can slip through my parted lips. "I do hope so." I seem to be rude, but father did inflict a terrible scar on me. My heart feels desperately poignant without Tsukimori-kun with me let alone the fact I cannot hold him anymore, nor kiss nor hug him.
By the time we reached the front porch of the mansion, the sun was already setting. The milieu was tinted with red to orange hue and it was really a sight to behold. The moment Ryuu-san opened the door, the scene I saw was two lines adjacent to each other, one line of well-mannered ladies, dressed in identical black and white dresses and the other was of charismatic gentlemen, dressed in matching black coat and ties. They were bowing in the same angle with smiles painted across their face and in unison, they greeted "Welcome, Hino Kahoko-sama!" Their voices were like ringing soprano and bass bells, complimenting each other.
I almost fell backwards but Ryuu-san caught my arm. "Is everything alright, Kahoko-sama?" He asked skeptically. I nodded.
"Uhm, this is quite too much for the likes of me." I commented. I faced the two columns bowing at my direction and with the voice I could find, I replied with a soft, stuttering tone. "G-g-g-good e-e-e-veni-i-ing. T-t-t-t-thaa-an-n-nk y-y-yo-o-ou."
Before long, the two perfect lines dispersed quickly, still in undisturbed line patterns. Ryuu-san led me to the center staircase, and in the midpoint landing, the long center staircase was divided into the stairs, facing opposite each other. "To your left is Shouei-sama's room and your own room while to your right is Haruka-sama and Taiki-sama's room and another set of staircases which leads to the upper levels. For now, you must retire for the day, as instructed by Taiki-sama but before that, he insisted that you must meet Shouei-sama. Dinner will be brought to your room in two hours. Your room is the second door to your right."
We took the stairs to the left and the first door to the right was a brown wooden door. Ryuu-san knocked three times and a load growl answered him. "Who is it?" A low deep voice boomed from behind the door.
"Kahoko-sama wishes to see you." Ryuu-san replied straightly, then the door suddenly burst open. The room was tinted with blue hue, from the curtains to the carpets to the bed sheets and wallpapers. The only color that contrasts with it is the wooden study table meters away from the bed and the door alongside the study table. The orange hue of the sunset enters the room through the balcony in front of the door. It was a fairly large room, enough to be occupied by three lodgers. Maybe four or five. The size of Shouei-niisama's room was five times larger than my own room, perhaps bigger than my own house back in Japan.
Ryuu-san left with a bow and I entered the room. "Uhm—" I was able to whisper incoherently. Shouei-niisama has distinct bullion orbs and fiery red hair like me; his hair is somehow fixed in a way like Tsuchiura-kun. He was sitting in front of three laptops, with loads of papers neatly stacked beside each laptop. He looked at me with a uncompromising glare. "You're that Kahoko Dad is mumbling about for the past few days?" He said after a few awkward moments. I can only nod at him.
He waved his hand, dismissing me from his room. "I am not as great as he think I am." I said. He stared angrily at me again, amidst the glasses in his face. "I meant no harm in your family, Onii-sama."
"Don't call me Onii-sama." He said austerely.
"Sorry—I was just—"
"Shut up! I don't even know why you're here! Get out! I don't need a sister! Leave me!" He bellowed.
-x
Author's Note: It's been awhile, my friends. :) So here, hope you will enjoy it. xD