Hey! I'm back! I've reached 100 reviews! So to celebrate, here's another chapter. It might be while before I update again, but you know how to fix that. ; )
So here's Chapter 17: Reading Between the Lines
It had two weeks since Ulrich awoke in the hospital and remained stable. He was recovering quite well and he was now at home with his parents. It was his first day back in the hospital, and having a hard acclimating to such a boring lifestyle of lying in a bed or walk around the house; even if it was a giant ten-story mansion.
Ulrich was trying to watch TV in his bedroom, but he found every show to be boring, something he'd already seen, or something he felt better off not seeing. There was a knock on his door. "Come in." Ulrich grumbled. He figured it was the butler coming to bring him dinner.
The door opened, and Yumi walked in. "Yumi! How's life in the outside world?"
"Tiresome."
"No, see working and socializing with different people is not tiresome. Staying in bed for two weeks and then getting out of the hospital only to stay in bed some more is."
Yumi laughed. "You live in a freaking mansion. It can't be that tiresome."
"It is when all you can do is watch TV, sleep, eat, and walk around."
"I'll take your word for it, but at least you're eating home-cooked meals instead of hospital food. And your bed's much more comfortable than that stiff hospital bed."
"How'd you know?" Ulrich asked raising an eyebrow.
"It felt uncomfortable whenever I sat down on it." Yumi said. She then sat at the foot of his bed. "But this bed is nice and soft."
"That's because you just sat down. Now continue to sit for the next 24 hours and let me know what you think." Yumi rolled her eyes. "So did you come just to see how I was?"
"That's part of it. I also wanted to tell you that all merges are finally finished, and we're starting on Asia next. I was wondering what you wanted to do about it."
"Go with Japan first. It'd be easier to get them along first because they have Sony and Nintendo. If we can get those two companies to allow us to share a small partnership, the other Asian gaming and entertainment companies will fall like dominoes."
"That's just what I thought you'd say. I've already prepared my formal greeting and proposal to them." Yumi said as she presented Ulrich with a rather formal looking business letter.
Ulrich skimmed over it, and then gave Yumi appreciative smile. "What would I do without you?"
"I dunno; not get shot; marry a woman that's already cheating on you."
"So funny, huh?" Ulrich grumbled in fake anger. "I'm glad you're doing this though. You're obviously the right pick to approach Japan seeing as you're a native from there . . . and you're the only one that I know who speaks Japanese fluently."
"That might come in handy." Yumi replied.
Ulrich's face then grew concerned. "Yumi, did you accept Zander's proposal?" Yumi sighed and frowned.
"Honestly, I haven't talked to Zander in about a week. I've been avoiding him because I really don't know what to do. There's something that I need to get cleared up before I'm certain as to what I want to do."
"Will you take the job in Europe?"
"That's part of it actually. I don't know what I want to do with that either. I've always wanted to have control of a business empire, and that's my golden opportunity. But I don't want to leave you guys. But whatever the case, I won't be leaving at all until you're in the office working full time."
"Thanks. I'll be counting on you."
"It's the least I can do after you saved my life and almost ended yours." Ulrich blushed a little. Yumi stared at him. Ulrich frowned in confusion.
"What?"
"What do you want me to do? Be honest. What do you truly want me to do?"
Ulrich looked her right in the eyes. "I want you to stay. I want you to leave Zander and the job and stay here with me." Ulrich didn't even bother to mention the others. "I love working with you. Even if you could be what makes the European chain skyrocket in value and success, I want you to be my secretary. It's fun working with you. You're my friend. I'd miss you too much." Ulrich didn't stray from Yumi's gaze once when he spoke these words. He meant them and if it could make Yumi stay, he'd say whatever he needed to say.
Yumi wanted to stay. She really did. But there was Zander and the job. She wasn't losing her friends if she took that path. But she didn't know if she could accept the truth that came along with either decision. "I owe you, Ulrich. I owe you big time. So I'll do one that you want me to do. Anything. So just name it."
"So anything that I tell you to do, you'll do it? No strings attached?" Yumi nodded. Ulrich searched her eyes for some kind of clue for why she was doing this. "Anything that I want . . . I want you to fluff my pillow." Ulrich said smirking.
"I'm serious, Ulrich." Yumi said, annoyed. "And I'm serious too. This pillow is in serious need of some serious fluffing."
Yumi sighed. She walked over and fluffed his pillow. When she finished she was about to turn and leave, but Ulrich grabbed her by the hand. She looked at him, wondering what he wanted. "I'm going to take my time healing." Ulrich then smirked, expecting her to catch his meaning. Yumi smiled.
"Then I'll take my time choosing."
Yumi was on her way when she ran into Mrs. Stern. "Hello, Yumi. Are you here to see Ulrich?"
"Actually I just spoke to him."
"I see. I'm just so glad that he's going to be okay. He's my only child, and no one wants to see their child in a hospital bed."
"He had us all scared for the worst." Yumi agreed.
"I know his recovery is going well because he's not in any pressure to hurry up and get better. My husband used to waste all of his energy on running the business. He'd get sick with stress. And once he'd get a bit better, he was back, full throttle."
"Yeah, but Ulrich's not really patient himself."
Mrs. Stern nodded. "He's like his father, but he doesn't have to push himself because he can rely on you to take care of things. So thank you for making my son not fret and stress himself out."
Yumi blushed a little. "I haven't done anything but my job."
"You're right, but it's an important position. I became the secretary because I had to get my husband to stop acting so reckless. The secretary's important to the business. If something happens to the owner, it's up to the secretary to make sure everything goes on. Tobias was right when he said that the secretary is like the wife in a marriage. They guide the business and follow the owner's lead. They have to make sure that all of the minor details are in order, and they take care of all of the things necessary in order to make the owner's job easy. Ulrich's the brain, and you're the heart. You might not be what controls everything, but you make sure that everything goes where it needs to go."
Yumi had an epiphany moment. She was in the second best position that anyone could ever land in Stern Co. At least from what Mrs. Stern said. And there was a lot of truth to it. Mrs. Stern's words really had Yumi put her whole job situation in perspective. Maybe she'd stay. But that didn't mean she still could get engaged to Zander. But nothing was far from being decided for good.
The following day, Yumi was busy working when an unexpected visitor dropped by. There was a sharp knock on the door. Yumi looked up to see Mr. Stern smiling as he poked his head through the doorframe. He gave her a wave.
"Mr. Stern. How are you?" Yumi greeted.
"Hi, Yumi, I'm doing great. I came by right quick to give you this." He said as he placed a small stack of papers on her desk. "That's from Ulrich. It seems that he already had a list of negotiations and a model of a contract to present to Japan. Looks like he's been planning this step in advance."
"Thank God!" Yumi exclaimed as she let her head fall onto the desk. "I thought I was going to have to do that. I knew it would take several days, and I didn't really know if I had that kind of time."
"Well it's a good thing you waited. I'm sorry you've had to take on Ulrich's job while he's away."
"Oh, it's alright."
"It's pretty much common knowledge that you're in charge when Ulrich's not around. So unfortunately, everything ends up falling on you for now."
"Mr. Stern, Ulrich's always praising you, saying how you're a wise old fortune cookie. I was wondering if you could give me your opinion on something."
Mr. Stern smirked at the fortune cookie comment. "You can ask me anything."
"What's your greatest accomplishment in life?"
Mr. Stern seemed taken aback by the question. He obviously wasn't expecting it. He thought for a second. "Well, I guess it would be having a functional family."
Yumi stared at him. She was expecting something a bit different. But she mulled it over a bit. It did make sense. "You mean to say that your proudest accomplishment is getting married, having a happy marriage, and having a kid that you can be proud of and that's proven himself to be quite successful in the world."
"Yumi, you're a smart lady." Mr. Stern beamed. "But you were a bit off on the last part. I'm not too concerned whether or not Ulrich's is successful. Not when it comes to making it in business. I'm concerned with him becoming a moral and just man. If does that, I'll be proud of him no matter what. His vocational success is simply a byproduct to his work ethic and morals."
"So family is very important to you."
"It's more important than my own life. The only thing more important is God. We Sterns are quite religious and family-oriented. It's a dying breed among us rich people. Actually it's a dying breed to people in general. It's quite sad really." Mr. Stern said now deep in thought.
"Why do you feel that way?"
"How could I not? People are concerned with money. Whether they be poor, in the middle, or rich. Everyone thinks that money solves everything. It doesn't, and most of the time it makes things worse. Sure you'd live in better conditions and could get more of the things that you want, but as long as you have all needs taken care of, you have to be content with that."
"With all due respect, you're a multi-billionaire. Your words are less credible coming from you. Nevertheless, they are the truth." Yumi said. Mr. Stern laughed.
"You're right. I'm rich. But as hard as it is to believe, it's a byproduct."
Yumi was now quite curious. "A byproduct of what?"
"Of doing what I love. My passion just so happened to be what made me rich. I did something I loved. Entertaining people. I write books. I created games, I created toys, little gadgets, programs that taught people how to play instruments, and I helped people do the same and so much more. I did expand into things that I didn't really love that much, but it is a job. I like to make other people have fun or to at least amuse them and interest them. It just so happens that many people love to be entertained. I don't hoard all of it though, but I could give more than I do. But I am a well-known philanthropist I'll have you know. It's just that I give, and when I turn around I end up getting more! But money makes you rich in materialistic things only. You can be rich and powerful, but life will suck if that's all you have. Because when you die, those things will amount to nothing. That power goes away, and the money goes to relatives. You can't take any of it with you. Your death is a meaningless as the next. People will care at the moment, but you won't have an impact on anyone. If you wanna make the world feel you, you have to be involved in it. So you could either do it immorally or morally."
Mr. Stern took a seat in the seat across from Yumi desk. "Yumi, life is a big exam. From the day you are born, you become a student of the classroom of life. Your parents are your life-long teachers. Your school teachers, your preacher, and any other adult figures are your tutors. They teach you have to survive, study, and take the test of life. When you finally leave the comfort of your parents daily guidance, the real test begins. You can always ask your teachers and tutors for advice. Experience become your hardest teacher. You learn things from it; or you become stubborn and end up hurting yourself from its harsh consequences. When you finally die, you, the one that know you, and more importantly God review your test results. Many people fail—rich or poor. Because they don't focus on the key points of what makes life worth living. They spend too much time trying to make money and live hedonistic lives to actually appreciate life. The ones who pass are the ones who understood this and won priceless things. Things that money could never buy, and that could make people feel moved when they finally die. They learn how to become content. It sickens me to see the rich be so stingy with their money. You know, this whole 99% and 1% thing. But I'm sickened that 99% of Americans really think that money will solve their problems. It's hard to take, but if you're rich, then you can live rich. But if you're poor, you must live poor. You can't live like you're rich. But people want that. I'm not rich because I wanted the lifestyle. I have it now because I can afford it. But just look at others. I may be extravagant, but I'm nowhere near the gaudiness of my other peers. There is always room for improvement. I'm rich because when I had nothing, I lived like so. I never had any debts. I refused my inheritance from my parents and tried to support my wife, Elena, with the money that I had. And I did that. But it never mattered. I was doing what I loved. I was with the one I loved. We raised a child that we love. I have everything I always wanted. A family to be proud of. I'll live on in their hearts after I die. I've helped millions of people with my programs, scholarships, and charities. I'll live in their memories too. Maybe not as prevalaent, but I'll be there. More importantly, I won't die wishing that I had more money, or that I wasn't alone. I'll die happy. You fail if you die sad. You also fail if you never realize what life is truly about. Lastly, you fail if your life was one that was corrupt. It's hard to pass. But the strongest people in the world are the ones that pass."
No wonder Ulrich respected this man. He was a great speaker, and he was filled with wisdom. She was reminded of her own father a little bit. But her dad was bit more reserved. That was okay. Yumi felt moved by Mr. Stern's speech. It was just what she needed. "Mr. Stern, I'm sure you'll pass the test. You're great teacher too. You and Mrs. Stern. I'm sure Ulrich will pass too."
"Thank you. Your parents must be fine teachers themselves. You're fine, young lady. I think you'll pass too. Just keep doing what you're doing."
"There's something that puzzles me though. Do think it'll be harder for someone like Ulrich to pass? I mean, he hasn't had to go through the things you did. He's had money his whole life. How can you be sure that it's something that he wants?"
"Well the same can be asked about this company. Ulrich's never put anything into it. Many kids squander inheritance money and businesses because they haven't invested blood, sweat, and tears into it. This business was my passion and my baby. It never meant that it would be Ulrich's passion. And it couldn't be his baby. At least that's what I thought. I always thought that Ulrich would be a soccer player. He's great at it, and he could've gone national if he wanted to. Ulrich didn't care for my business at all. He didn't get into until his senior year of high school. Ulrich wanted a job. So he got one at a local bookstore. He'd get bored, and so he'd read the books. He never cared for reading unless it was a book of mine. He was amazed by what authors could think of. He told me that when he asked the owner why he thought so many people wrote books even if it meant that they may never be rich, the owner simply said, Because they want to." Ulrich told me that it really struck him deep. He started asking anyone with a job why they took the job. He got a variety of answers. It was their passion; for the money; the only one they could get; it's fun; it's easy. I was shocked when Ulrich told me he wanted to major in Business. He told me that he decided to look at what was going on with my job. He said he'd like to write a book himself. And he wanted to create a game too. And so he did. He would write stories and create small games. It was just for experiment, but he told me he found great joy in it. It never had to be his passion, but Ulrich said that he wanted to take the business and push further than I could. This business isn't his baby. But the ideas he has for it, will definitely make it reborn into his own child."
"Is that what all of these merges are for?"
"I believe so. Ulrich likes to do things bigger and better. I think he wants to reach the world. Of course propaganda makes it look like its just so he can get more money by spreading out, but Ulrich is in it for the fun of it. It's his passion. There's pressure to keep it afloat because he's trying not to disappoint me. But I'm not disappointed at all. This business thrives on passionate minds and decisions. So Ulrich will be just fine."
"Thank you Mr. Stern. I need that. I haven't thought of things in that way, and it's good to know what truly brought Ulrich here." Yumi said.
Mr. Stern patted her on the shoulder. "He's got a good heart and a good head. I know because he picked a great secretary. One that'll keep him straight, I trust." Mr. Stern winked.
"You can trust me." Yumi said. Mr. Stern smiled and waved goodbye.
Yumi was in deep thought. She mulled over what Ulrich's parents had told her. It became apparent to her what she had to do. But she bided her time. Two more weeks passed, and Ulrich was finally back in the office. She was glad for him to take over his work again, and she wasn't alone in the office anymore. They were back to their old selves. They joked, teased, and fooled around. When Ulrich started working full-time, Yumi acknowledged the fact that she had no obligation to stay there anymore. She kept Zander waiting patiently for an answer, and she knew that her friends where on edge as to whether or not she'd stay as well.
Yumi was taking her afternoon jog Friday afternoon, when it starting pouring. Stupid weather forecast. They were always wrong. She turned around started heading for home. As she ran along the sidewalk, a silver car pulled up beside her. It was Zander's. He rolled down the window.
"You need a lift?"
Zander decided to take the long way to Yumi's apartment. "So how long do you expect me to wait for an answer, Yumes?"
"I'm sorry, Zander, I wanted to think this over. I mean we've only been dating for like four months now. I don't want to rush into anything."
"I understand, but it's really insulting to make me way for a whole month for an answer."
"I just wanna know something before I tell you my choice." Zander frowned. He wanted an answer, not a question. "Just hear me out. Why do you want me to marry you and take the job?"
"Because I love you. You're a great person, and you understand me. Besides, we're a dynamic duo. We're awesome together. It's just right for us to be together. Anything we do together is something that he can easily take down. It's true for business too. I know the kind of worker you are. You're hard working and sensible. We need that in Europe. Plus I know that I can make you reach your greatest heights in whatever you want to do. The world's normally against people who are openly honest as we are. So together, we'll take the world on and show them that we don't need it. We just need each other." Zander gave Yumi a reassuring smile.
Yumi felt her heart plummet into her stomach. Her skin went cold. Her breath was shallow. "No."
"Hm?"
"This is wrong. I can't marry you. I'm sorry. But I can't be with you anymore." The words tumbled out of her mouth. They sounded distant and with no emotion.
Zander was shocked. He was staring at her. "What?"
"Zander, watch the road!" Yumi said. Zander came to an abrupt halt before he hit anyone.
"Why won't you marry me?" Zander asked. He was looking at her with a sense of helplessness.
"We're not right for each other. And I don't love you."
"What do you mean you don't love me? I'm the only one who's been there for you! I've never left you because of your sarcasm. Not like other guys. I love you!"
"You love what we can be together. Not me."
"Is it because of Aelita and Sam? Did they put you up to this?" Yumi shook her head. "Was it Ulrich? He's just trying to control you!"
"No he's not. He had his chance, but he didn't take it. Ulrich is a true friend."
"He's a naïve simpleton."
"Make up your mind! Is he naïve or controlling? He can't be both." Yumi snapped.
Zander was speechless. He stared at Yumi, mouth agape. He clenched his jaw and gritted his teeth. "So you're gonna leave me alone? So you're gonna make yourself alone? What about the job?"
"I'm not taking it."
"It's your chance of stepping up! You can easily gain control of the entire European region. Yumi you have the ability to make it your own. You could even swipe this all away from Ulrich if you wanted to." Yumi gave him a piercing glare. "I know you'd never do that. I'm just saying. You have so much potential. Why are you wasting it being that idiot's secretary? I can make you better! We can be better if we wanted to! Don't you want that?"
"I want someone to love me because they like spending time with me."
"I didn't ask you ride with me for nothing. I date you and hang out with you! I spend time with you all the time."
"You haven't even tried this past month. If you cared, you wouldn't come to see me sooner."
"I care a great deal!"
"The only thing you care about is your ambitions and how I can help you achieve them. You don't want me to be around Ulrich at all. And you want to ruin Ulrich."
"I don't."
"Yes you do. You'll probably use me to ruin the company, and then you'll take over, and everyone will see how great you are, and you'll try to make Ulrich look bad. I dunno. You might trying to use my friendship to get Ulrich to trust me, and then use it to cheat him out of everything. Whatever you're planning, it ends. You need to stop this. Just go back to England, and take the position. We can still be friends—,"
"Like I wanna be your friend. I love you, and if I can have you, then I don't want to have anything to do with you. I really thought you were like me. But you're just naïve as Ulrich. You don't understand what really matters. You're all about happiness and togetherness. Screw it! Ulrich is a lonely piece of trash that women use over and over. And what does he have to show for it?"
"He's got great friends and parents that love him."
"That's crap! Anyone can have that! I have that."
"I'm your only friend. But by your standards, I was your only friend."
"I don't care! You will wish you had have said yes. No one's going to put up with your snobbish know-it-all attitude. No man will ever love you the way I do. No man will love you. But that's okay. Maybe being alone like that idiot will teach you something. When you come back begging to me, I'll take you back. Only because no one else will. You need me. I just want you. I was doing you a favor, but so be it. Just get out of my car, and leave me alone!" Zander yelled. Yumi tried to grab his shoulder in comfort, but he smacked her hand away.
Yumi silently got out of the car and closed the door. Zander drove off.
Ulrich had been home for quite a while. He was now working on the sequel to his book which managed to be a best-seller. It was around midnight, and he was working into the night. At least that's what he was trying to do, but he fell asleep on his laptop. His cellphone shocked him into wakefulness. He looked at the monitor to see a conglomeration of letters symbols on the screen that were pressed down by his face. He wiped the drool from his mouth and grabbed his cell phone. It was Sam calling.
"What?" he asked annoyed.
"Have you seen Yumi?" she asked desperately.
"No. She went home, didn't she?"
"Yes, but she went out for a jog like seven hours ago, but we haven't seen her since. We thought maybe she was with you or something."
"Now why would she be with—don't answer that." Ulrich said, blushing. Did she say whether or not she was going somewhere or if she was meeting someone?"
"No." there was a long silence. "Ulrich, do you think," Sam paused.
"Do I think what?"
"Do you think that she met up with Zander?"
Ulrich felt a chill go down his spine and he was sure he felt his heart shoot up into his throat. "I don't know." He said in a shaken tone.
"Please, Ulrich. Help us look for her. We have no idea where she'd be. We've searched every placed that we know she likes to go, but she not there."
"Well if Yumi wanted to be alone she wouldn't be anywhere that you could find her or know of. She'd go somewhere you wouldn't expect."
"But what is that? How am I supposed to know?" Sam said, getting frustrated.
"Don't worry, Sam. I'll find her. I look for her myself." Ulrich then hung up.
Yumi was sitting on a bench surrounded by flowers and bushes. She was crying. Hard. She had let go of possibly the only person that would take her. She felt alone. She didn't want to be bothered however. She thought that she was feeling exactly the way she should feel, cold, alone, and sad. That's how her love life was, and that's how everyone always described her personality. She'd never find someone who'd understand her. Not the way Zander did. But Zander had to be (using Ulrich's word) a jackass.
Yumi then saw her shadow on the ground get darker. The rain wasn't falling on her, but it was definitely going on strong. She looked up. It was Ulrich with an umbrella hovering over her head.
"Why are you out in the rain? Are trying to catch pneumonia?"
"If it will end me sooner." Yumi mumbled.
Ulrich sighed. "You've got everyone looking for you. But I'm sure you already knew that. You just don't want to be found." He knew her so well. But he didn't love her or want her.
"How'd you find me then?"
"Yumi, I do listen when people open their hearts to me. Serenity Gardens is the one place that you go for solace and when you're at your lowest. You went here when you thought your dad was dying. You said that even Sam and Aelita didn't even know about it. So of course this is the place you'd come to. Or at least that's what I prayed I'd find you."
Yumi snorted. She should've never said anything. "The funny part is I was trying to help you then."
"I know. Now let me return the favor. I'll take you to my bachelor pad so you won't have to deal with your friends, or my parents, or anyone else. But you will deal with me." Ulrich said strictly.
Ulrich held out his hand, and Yumi took it, allowing Ulrich to pull her up. They arrived to Ulrich's house—the one meant for him and Emily—where Yumi dried herself up and got a change of dry clothes. Seeing as Ulrich hadn't been there in a while, and no one was living there, Yumi had to make do with a pair of pajama pants and a T-shirt that Ulrich had laying around there.
Yumi was sitting on the couch. Ulrich was doing who knows what. Ulrich came back, his arms full of stuff. There were Blu-ray discs, a bowl of popcorn, a gallon of Reese's ice cream and a Dr. Pepper. "It took me a while to get this stuff, but I know that you said whenever you need a pick-me-up, Reese's ice cream was the trick. I got you a Dr. Pepper because I know that's your favorite drink. I brought out Laputa: Castle in the Sky for us to watch, and some popcorn for us to eat. Now you might be depressed, but this has got to make you happy. I've pulled out all the stops so you owe me a smile." Ulrich said as he set everything on the coffee table.
"When did you learn this stuff?"
"Learn what?"
"My favorite soda. My favorite movie. What I eat to make me feel good. When?"
"Over time. Most from when you were helping me. I mean it was our first time really connecting. Oh! I almost forgot! I know that when you're down, you like to watch sappy romance movies and bash them. So I brought some sappy romance movies with me on my way to get you. There in the car. Now stay here, and don't m—," Ulrich was interrupted by Yumi running into him and wrapping her arms around him in a hug. She buried her face into chest. Ulrich slowly wrapped his arms around her.
"Are you okay?" he asked. Yumi didn't reply she just hugged him tightly. "Yumi. Are you okay?" he was taken aback by her behavior. She finally let go, and smiled up at him. "Don't worry. I will be." She remembered what Aelita had said. And she remembered her answer. She had known then, but she didn't want to admit to anyone—mainly to herself—what she really meant.
"I can't imagine life without him there? Does it hurt to be apart from him? Do I look forward to seeing him and being with him? Do I love him? Guys . . . I am in love. I know I am." But it wasn't Zander that she was talking about. She never said a name because she didn't dare think about it. But she couldn't lie to herself anymore. She couldn't imagine life without Ulrich. It hurts to be apart from Ulrich. She looks forward to seeing him and being with him every single day. And did she love him? She was in love him. And she knew that. And she accepted that.
Awwwwwwwwww! How sweet! I'm done. It's one in the morning, and I need to sleep. Like I said, unless you guys review like crazy, don't expect an update anytime soon. It is my spring break, but I still have school work, scholarships, and a trip to look forward to.
I really enjoyed writing this chapter, and I couldn't wait to get here. I wanted Yumi to be vulnerable and show that she's not as strong or perfect that she seemed to be. We saw how Ulrich relied and need her, and I believe that in a relationship the man and woman must rely and need each other, so I had to show that in Yumi. Now this story has a couple more chapter to go. But the thing is, I'm trying to find out when I should end it. Honestly, it might end when they get together because I don't know what I'd do after that. I might continue it. If I do end it, it doesn't mean that there won't be a sequel later on. But that might be a while. It all depends on if I add anything; if I update slow enough for me to come up with something after they get together, if I decide to introduce any more stuff. But I'm going to try my best to end this a ways after they get together.
So here's a little peak at the next chapter. We've seen Yumi help Ulrich move on, now we'll see Ulrich help Yumi move on. The gang will poke fun at them again, Ulrich has an interesting chat with one of his parents (I'm gonna flip a coin and see which one it'll be so even I don't know), and Ulrich gets a phone call that could potentially change everything.
All of this in chapter 18: Letting Go
