Hello all! I got another chapter for you! You'll be glad to know that this chapter will cover Yumi's entire time away from Ulrich. I know you're happy. I'm doing this because this story is so long already, I think it would just be dragging out the story for no reason if I did that. I just wanted some type of tension or anxiety between the two. This chapter is really just to give insight on just how much the two depend on each other. Well I'll stop babbling. Here we go!
Chapter 24: A Year Gone By
OCTOBER
Yumi yawned as she slapped down her alarm clock to shut it up. She fell into her bed again. Then her cell phone signaled her that she had a text. Darn that idiot. How in the heck did he know she was awake? It had only been two weeks since she left New York, and without even looking at the text, she already knew who it was.
MESSAGE FROM: Ulrich
Hey Yumes! Get out of bed! Just wanted to tell you that I sent the files for your meeting! PS: Tell my fangirls I said hi! :P
Lately, Ulrich and Yumi had been texting each other, calling each other, e-mailing, and even skyping—not that Yumi wasn't doing that with the others. They just did a lot more often. It did have a lot to do with work and all, but ultimately, it was just an excuse to keep in contact.
Yumi sent a quick reply: You're worse than my alarm clock! Thanks; everyone will be pleased. And no Japanese woman would ever give you the time of day. We have better taste in men. Lol
Smirk at her snide remark, Yumi started to prepare for her day.
Ulrich smiled at Yumi's text. He was just about to respond when his father spoke up. "Ulrich, can we go one day without you texting at the dinner table. You're worse than a teenage girl."
"Ah, hon, he's in love." Mrs. Stern teased.
Ulrich frowned. "Well it was important."
"And how is that?"
"I had to let her know that I sent the files she needed."
"Any excuse to talk to her, huh?" Mr. Stern said.
"Well isn't that what you two did when you guys were in school? Always insulting each other just to hear the sound of the other's voice."
"I knew we shouldn't have told him that story."
"But both stories are cute." Mrs. Stern cooed. She could act like a little girl sometimes.
"But he's already communicating with her in every way imaginable!"
"No we're not."
"Oh and what form of communication have you not done?" Mr. Stern asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We don't write each other." Ulrich said as he tried to contain his chuckling.
"Oh real smart, son." Ulrich let his laugher out.
"But isn't it like 6 o'clock over there?" Mrs. Stern pointed out.
"Six-thirty actually." Ulrich stated.
"He's even gotten the time down." Mr. Stern remarked.
"Well it's not that hard. I need to know the time anyways, so I'll know when to watch the next episode of One Piece."
"Japan has name for people like you."
"Otaku?"
"That, and stalker."
"That's not Japanese."
Mr. Stern shrugged. "Yeah, but I'm sure they have a Japanese word for it."
NOVEMBER
Sam looked around her very empty apartment. She was curled up on the sofa, staring at the TV. At that time, all she could think was, "This sucks."
She sighed as went to the fridge to find something to eat. Weren't Saturday s supposed to be eventful and fun? Why was this one so boring? And why didn't she have anything to eat for lunch? She slammed the door. If Aelita was still here, she would've already restocked the fridge. If Yumi were here, she would've already prepared enough for all three to eat. Sam sighed again and decided it was no better time than to take a nap. She'd just sleep away the day. Before she could reach the bedroom, someone knocked on the front door. She shuffled to the door and opened it.
"Oh, hey Odd."
"Sam! How's it going?" Odd said as he stepped in. "Got anything to eat?"
"Nope." Odd frowned.
"Oh. Well then let's go out."
"Wait, right now?" Sam asked, baffled. This was unexpected.
"Yeah. We'll go to the grocery store, buy some stuff, and cook together."
"Wow! That's romantic! When did you get to be so sweet?"
"I've always been. You've just been too sour."
"Whatever. I'll go get dressed." When the door to her bedroom closed behind her, Odd went to the bathroom and stared at his reflection. He took a deep breath and then checked to make sure he had the ring. Today would be all or nothing. He just hoped he'd still be conscious to hear a yes.
Ulrich was silently working at his desk, when his mother entered with a hot lunch for him.
"Get off the computer, and eat before you die." She said bluntly.
"Well that's very heart-warming."
"I know you. You're your father's sun, alright. Now eat." Ulrich leaned back in his seat and stretched out his arms.
"What would I do without you, mom?"
"I told you already. You would die."
"How did dad stand you being a secretary for so long? It's only been a month, and you've been teasing me nonstop."
"You never complained when Yumi did it." Mrs. Stern frowned. "Why is it okay when she does it, but not when I do it?"
"That's because it sometimes led to indirect flirting."
Mrs. Stern snorted. "Wow. There's a term I haven't heard in a while. I forgot how it felt to be young—making up words and phrases to sugar-coat all of the raw passions that's really there."
Ulrich's mouth was full of food. He was about to say something, but thought better of it. His mother had the inept ability to turn every single thing he ever said against him. She could definitely give any lawyer a run for their money.
When it was finally time to go, Ulrich was still hard at work. "Sweetie, get out the office and see what's it's like to have a life."
"This is my life." Ulrich replied
"Oh, well I'll tell Yumi to call back later." Ulrich practically jumped over his desk to grab the phone out of his mother's hand.
"Hey, Yumi, what's up?"
"Who knows? She's still asleep." Sissi answered.
"Oh, it's you." Ulrich mumbled.
"Well don't I feel loved. I'm sorry I'm not your dear, sweet Japanese goddess, but I'm what keeps you out of any possible legal trouble."
"Sorry, Sissi. My mom told me it was Yumi." Ulrich said glaring at his mom. She just smiled and waved.
"I can't believe you fell for that. Are really that gullible? Isn't it like 5 in the morning over there?"
"Shut up, Sissi."
Sissi laughed. "Sorry, just poking fun at ya. But whatever Yumi's doing, she's doing it well. Nintendo and several other companies have already finished and signed agreements to make deals with us! Congrats, Ulrich. You've successfully expanded your business across all of Japan!"
"That's great news! Now Yumi can establish the firms there, and then we can start on the rest of Asia."
"Yeah, the woman moves fast. Too bad she can't be fast in another way huh, Ulrich?" Sissi teased.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Ulrich frowned.
"Oh, I think you know."
"Why is everyone picking on me? I hope you do this to her too."
"Of course I do. She overreacts even more than you do."
"You're all impossible." Ulrich said as he hung up. He needed to find some sane people in his life.
DECEMBER
"Yumi! You came!" Yumi's mother exclaimed as she gave her daughter a squeeze.
"Why wouldn't I? It's New Year's Eve."
"Well it's just that you've been her for almost three months, and you still hardly ever visit."
"That's because I have work. I'm busy all the time."
"Even on the weekends?" her father asked from his chair as he watched TV.
"Yeah, I've been seein' someone." Yumi said. This got her father's attention.
"Who? What kind of job does he have? Is he from work? He's obviously from work, isn't he? Does he get paid more than you? What position? Oooh! OOOH! IS IT ULRICH!?"
"Uhh . . . no."
Mr. Ishiyama frowned and sighed. "Oh." He mumbled something under his breath about hopes and dreams being shattered as he shuffled his feet back to his chair.
"Um, are you going to let me in?" Momo asked Mrs. Ishiyama.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Momo, you're a ninja, ya know. You blend into everything.
"At least I'll have that to fall back on if this businessman things fall through."
"That or you could be a comedian."
"Hey, onee-chan. Hey Momo-kun." Hiroki greeted as he stepped out of the kitchen with a bowl of cookies in hand.
"How's college?" Yumi asked.
" 'S alright."
"The girls?" Mom asked.
Hiroki gave him a lazy smile. "Sexy."
"Hiroki! Please don't talk about women in front of me." Mrs. Ishiyama said in a grim tone.
"Ka-san, I'm not a kid anymore. I'm a man now."
"I said shut it! It's too much for me to know that my youngest child and only son is now interested in women."
"It's not like I haven't dated before."
"I still don't want to talk about it! No woman will ever be good enough for you! NO ONE!"
Yumi laughed. "You should hear Ulrich's mom. She says the same thing. Well she did tell me there was only one woman who was, but she wouldn't say who."
"It's you!"Mr. Ishiyama yelled. "The woman is a genius. She realizes a good wife when she sees one, and you'd be perfect for Ulrich! Why can't you see that?"
"How can you see it, when you've never even met the woman or talked to Ulrich for more than a week?"
"Because no one's good for you except for him! So it's gotta work the other way too! He's a freaking billionaire! And a virgin! Do you realize how amazing that is!? I didn't even know that was possible! Well of course most billionaires wouldn't be because they've already married by then anyways, but he's pure! Why wouldn't you go out with him? You owe it to your children for them to have a rich and moralistic father."
"What children?" Mrs. Ishiyama asked.
"It's bad enough that Hiroki's out chasing women, but now Yumi's having a baby!?"
"Who said I was having a baby? I'm a virgin myself!"
"Oooh! Is it like Jesus? Are you the Japanese Mary?" Momo joked.
"But shouldn't she have given birth last week?" Hiroki.
"You're right. How could you get the dates messed up?" Momo frowned.
"Why is everyone here such idiots?" Yumi yelled.
"Resolutions: Be a better Christian; work out more; finish my next novel; get a girlfriend (preferably Yumi); conquer the world; find out how Odd lives without a brain." Sam read.
"Hey! I do too have a brain." Odd shouted. Everyone laughed. Everyone was having a good time in Aelita and Jeremie's house. They thought it would be a good idea to write down their resolutions and have a random person read it and guess who wrote them.
"Well it's obviously Ulrich's resolutions." Sam replied.
"What makes you think I don't have a brain?"
"Well you've never used it up until now." Everyone laughed again.
"Brain or no brain, I still love you." Sam said as she kissed him on the cheek.
"She's still gushing from you proposing." Jeremie stated.
"She's got every reason to." Aelita said. "I mean, none of us saw it coming.
"And he did a great job." Sissi added. "A nice home cooked meal was definitely a great touch."
"See it takes brains to do that." Odd pointed out. He stuck his tongue out at Ulrich who just shook head.
"We should definitely keep this paper for Yumi to read." Jeremie said.
"No we definitely shouldn't." Ulrich said.
"Oh come on, I'll bet she'll be your girlfriend when she sees how you want her to be yours." Sam teased.
"I regret I ever wrote it down."
"You should. The fact that it's in writing is definitely incriminating." Sissi stated.
"But it's the truth. You have nothing to be embarrassed out." Sam said.
"I think it's cute." Aelita said in a matter of fact tone.
"Jeremie, take your turn. I don't want to hear their gushing and teasing anymore."
Jeremie chuckled. He "Have a baby." He read. He looked up and then quickly frowned. "Wait, what!? But that's—this is—what!?"
Sam peered over his shoulder to look at the handwriting. She smirked. "Isn't that Aelita's handwriting. The pink-haired girl blushed.
"Well she knows what she wants." Sissi shrugged.
"Wow. You go, Lita!" Odd howled.
"Aelita, don't you think we should wait for something like this?" Jeremie asked with a nervous smile on his face.
Aelita frowned. "You don't want to have a child."
Jeremie's expression softened. "Of course I do. I just want to make sure that we're ready." He then kissed her. "We'll talk about this later.
"That'd be one heck of a Christmas present though." Ulrich remarked.
"You're telling me." Sissi said.
"It sure would be." Sam agreed.
"I wonder what Yumi's doing." Aelita said, changing the subject.
"It's already the new year for Japan. It's noontime." Ulrich stated.
"Hey! Try and skype her." Odd said as he pushed Jeremie to get his laptop. Jeremie set it up while Ulrich texted Yumi to get on skype. In a few minutes, they saw Yumi's smiling face.
"Yumi!" they all yelled.
"Hey guys."
"Why can't you be here?" Sam asked.
"I kinda wish I was. My parents are acting like such children. And Momo and Hiroki are even worse."
"Ulrich has made it his resolution to date you!" Sissi yelled.
"She doesn't know what she's saying." Ulrich said as he glared at Sissi.
"I'm flattered, Ulrich. But these long-distance things never work out."
"As if seeing your face day in and day out is a benefit."
"I'll remember that when I come back." Yumi said through gritted teeth.
"I really do love you, though." Ulrich beamed.
"You two are impossible." Jeremie shook his head.
"Yeah. We didn't skype for you two just flirt the entire time." Odd said
"Who said we were?"
"Hey, Sam! Show me the ring again!"
"You've already seen in the pictures I e-mailed—and the ones on Facebook."
"I wanna see it again." Sam was happy to oblige her friend.
Yumi squealed. "It's gorgeous. You did great Odd."
"I know. I'm smooth."
"Smooth as a baby's butt. And you smell like one too." Sissi stated. Everyone laughed.
"I have cruel friends." Odd said as he hung his head.
"It's only because we love you." Aelita said as she patted him on the back.
"Hey, it's time for the ball drop." Jeremie said. They all counted and shouted happy New Year to everyone. They then gave a big, united shout to Yumi who felt torn. Why couldn't she be there with them and still here with her family. And more importantly, why were her friends idiots as well?"
JANUARY
Ulrich felt terrible. After the new year began, he felt motivated to stick to his resolutions (at least the ones about the business), and had been working overtime—sometimes late into the night—every single day for the next two weeks. His mother was trying to make him stop, but Ulrich was in a creative mood and didn't want to stop his pace while he going on strong. This all result in Ulrich getting little sleep, little food, and eventually sick.
He had a terrible headache one morning when he came to work, and ended collapsing. His mother yelled at him when he woke up. "YOU'RE JUST LIKE YOUR FATHER! ARE YOU TWO TRYING TO DIG ME INTO AN EARLY GRAVE AS WELL AS YOURSELVES!?" Mr. Stern chuckled. He couldn't really scold Ulrich. It would be hypocritical: like father, like son.
Ulrich probably would've minded his mother if it wasn't for the fact that he was still half-conscious at the time of her berating him. Ulrich was in bed for the entire week. He didn't know if he was sleeping or if he was awake. During one of his mind-trips, he thought he saw Yumi. She was frowning down at him as her face swam into focus. He tried calling her name, but his chest felt heavy, and his throat felt like it was clogged with phlegm.
"So how is he?" Yumi asked Mrs. Stern.
"He okay, I guess. He's been like this since last Friday." The two women walked out of Ulrich bedroom and made their way into one of the many living rooms.
Yumi sighed as she sat down on one of the many sofas. "I came all the way from Japan, to see him, and he's sick." Mrs. Stern smiled at her comment. "I mean I came to see my other friends too, and all, but . . ." Yumi trailed off and blushed.
"It's okay. He's special to you."
"Well he is my friend and my boss. Without him, I've got no paycheck."
Mrs. Stern laughed. "It's okay, Yumi. I understand how you feel. You can be honest with me." Mrs. Stern said, coaxing Yumi into saying what she wanted her to say.
"I do care about him a little more than just my friend or my boss." Yumi admitted. "I just hope he gets better soon."
"How long will you be in town?"
"Only for a week. I've finished everything in Japan, and I'm leaving for Hong Kong next week to start expansion there."
"You're really true blessing to him." Yumi was taken aback by that comment.
"I'm just doing my job."
"No, I'm doing your job. You're doing beyond what you were hired to do."
"I just want to be a better secretary for him. I can't be second in command and not know my way around the business."
"That's very true and all, but I can't help but feel that there's another reason you're doing this."
Yumi had to give this woman credit. She was relentless in trying to get the truth out of Yumi. "I don't want anyone saying I can't hold my own. If anyone ever suspected that there was anything between us, I don't want anyone having the satisfaction of saying I'm using him, or that I don't deserve to have the position that I have."
"But why would anyone suspect you?"
"Because maybe there is something between us." Yumi finally admitted. "I don't if there really is, but . . . I do love him. I'm just wondering if this is all unrequited."
Mrs. Stern had to keep from beaming at her. She didn't want Yumi trying to find anything out from her. "Well that's really for Ulrich answer. But it's good that you're honest with your feelings. It's unhealthy for you and your friendship with Ulrich if you don't talk about this. Of course you should talk to him about this."
"That's not happening anytime soon."
"I suppose that's wise; I mean you two will be apart for a couple more months. But you'll have to talk about it sometime."
"Mrs. Stern, you don't think it's disgusting or alarming that I feel that way about your son?"
"Yumi, I'd be proud to call you my daughter. Of course I'm getting ahead of myself. You're an honest person, and I know you're not just after him for his money."
"I won't lie to you though. I can't say the money isn't a factor. It's a huge benefit, but it's not the reason I want to be with him."
"I appreciate your honesty. There's nothing wrong wanting to make sure you'll have a secure future. Money can cause marital problems. But it can go both ways. Too much or too little money have been the reasons behind many a divorce." Yumi nodded in agreement. "If you don't mind Yumi, I'd love to hear why you love my son. I know it's no business of mine, but I really trust you, and I'd just want to know how women view my son."
Yumi was blushing even more. She couldn't look Mrs. Stern in the eye. "Well . . . he's nice; funny; sarcastic. He gets me. He's smart in a very inquisitive way. I feel safe around him. He cares about me. He makes me happy. He's an immature child, but it keeps things interesting and fun. He too stubborn for his own good, but I am too, so we tend to keep the other in check. He only get excited around people he's close to. He's normally shy and reserved around strangers, and that can get annoying, but it's just his insecurity. He has a hard time relaying his real emotions. He can be tactful when he wants to be, but most of the time he has a hard time just saying what he feels outrightly. He relies on actions a lot more than he does words, so sometimes I have to read him through his actions than his words, and that can get tiresome. He's definitely not perfect, but that's what I love about him. He doesn't do much to hide his imperfections. He just let's them be. And because of that, I feel comfortable around him, and I know I can be just as up front with him too."
Mrs. Stern nodded and raised an eyebrow every now and then. "Well at least you know him very well. And at least you're willing to admit and accept the bad in him."
"Yeah, well I'm not perfect myself."
"No one is. But that's why love is based on faith and not on proof. You can't ever prove your love because there's no definite way to show that it's there. All you can do is go off of a person's actions and just have faith that it's out of love that they do the things they do."
"My mother says love is the child of faith and sacrifice; but whenever she says that she quick to remind me that it was adopted by vanity and therefore isn't as glamorous as you'd think it would be."
Mrs. Stern laughed. "That's a cute saying. I'll have to tell my husband that. He'll probably be thinking about it all week."
"Yeah but it is true. Love isn't vain, but sometimes we mistake things like appearances and money for factors of love; or we go about making material sacrifices or placing our faith in the gifts we receive than the person. Vanity can make find true love hard."
"Very wise and very true. Those are words to live by. And hopefully those words can help you with Ulrich. I think they already have, but just keep them in mind."
Yumi smiled at Ulrich's mother. "I will."
Seeing as she had an entire week with her friends, Sam and Aelita were fervent in making sure that Yumi was always in there company. Sam was ecstatic in having her back in the apartment with her.
"Now I don't have to sleep alone! I'm telling you, Joe the Pervert has been moving around a lot lately at night. I have to sleep with a freaking baseball bat next to my bed!"
"For the last time, Sam. Joe is not a pervert. He has to work at night, that's all."
"I bet his work entails spying on young, attractive women."
"Then there's no reason to worry. You're not attractive at all." Yumi joked. Sam glared at her.
"Oh you're so funny, Yumes. Just remember I'm the one with the engagement ring."
"Hey, I can't help it if men are too scared to approach a goddess like me."
"Oh so that's what it is. But tell me, are you sure you didn't mean to say demoness instead of goddess?"
The two girls glared at each other and then broke into laughter. It was nice to poke fun at the other.
Aelita felt that if she let Yumi out of her sight for one second, she might disappear again for another three and a half months. "So let's go out to eat tomorrow." Aelita said as the gang left Bobby's Rib Shack.
"I'm down!" Odd agreed.
"We just came from a restaurant. I don't feel like going out to eat again." Yumi mumbled.
"Then we'll go for ice cream."
"No more food trips."
Aelita frowned. "Well let's go bowling."
Everyone gave Aelita weird looks. "Bowling?"
"Yeah. I know we've never been, but now's a better time than ever."
"Is Jeremie strong enough to pick up a bowling ball?" Sam teased.
"I've been lifting weights, I'll have you know."
"Been working on your toothpick arms?" Yumi joined in.
"It's not my fault! I was genetically born with no future as a bodybuilder."
"Yes. Your genes are to blame."
"Enough about Jeremie's wimpy body (you know I love you, sweetie)! We have to plan something for tomorrow."
"Why?" Yumi asked.
"Because we only have four more days with you. They'll be gone before you know it. Then we won't see you for probably another three months. And what if you decide to stay in Asia because we don't do stuff together? What if you meet some Asian guy over there, and fall in love, and get married, and never return? "
"Aelita, I'm going to need you to breathe." Yumi said. "I am not going to stay in Asia, and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to fall in love."
"Even if she did, all men think she's a demoness anyways." Sam added.
" . . . Right." Yumi finally said.
"Besides, Ulrich is still very much alive. He won't let another guy come between him and his secretary." Odd teased.
" . . . Right."
"And Yumi has no other friends besides that Momo guy." Jeremie joined in.
" . . . Right."
"I guess that's true." Aelita said. "I mean you're too cruel to everyone else to really do anything anywhere else."
"That's it. I'm going to China tomorrow!" Yumi declared. She then took off as if she were going to leave right now, and the others followed her in hot pursuit as they yelled for her to wait and apologize.
Ulrich felt his strength slowly returning to him. It was Friday now, and he could was fully conscious now. He felt much better than he did a week ago. When he awoke, he was surprised to see Yumi staring down at him. When he saw her, he stared at her as if he was contemplating whether or not she was really there. When he finally spoke, his voice was weak and his words came out slowly.
"Yumi . . . are you real?" he asked. Yumi smirked.
"Yes." She said quietly. He stretched out an arm and touched her cheek as if to make sure. Her skin felt hot against his cold, aching body. His hand lingered there. Just when he was going to pull away, Yumi touched his hand against hers and leaned into his hand. Ulrich formed a small smile.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"I'll be better. I feel better than I did before. When did you come back?" Ulrich's voice was growing stronger and louder. He seemed better knowing that Yumi was here.
"I've been here since Sunday. I was worried about you."
"I'm sorry."
"Just get better."
"How long until you leave?"
Yumi's smile faltered. She was surprised at herself when she felt her eyes sting with tears. "Tomorrow."
Ulrich made no attempt in showing his disappointment. He drew back his back his and laid back down on his pillow. It was as if that small light of joy at seeing Yumi had been smothered just as quickly as it formed.
"I just had to get sick." He grumbled.
"It's okay."
Ulrich shook his head. "No. We could've been together. But I've been working too much—way too much."
Yumi ran her hand through his hair. "I'll be back."
"When?"
"I'll be here when you want me back."
Ulrich snorted. "I want you back now."
"When you need me back, then."
"I need you now."
Yumi "You need me in China."
"I wish we could've hung out together."
"We'll do so next time."
"I won't be able to see you off."
Yumi held Ulrich's hand in her own. "You don't have to. I'll be here with you until you fall asleep."
"That could be any minute. I'm too weak to really stay up." Ulrich seemed so desperate. The only thing he wanted was right in front of him, but he was too weak to enjoy the fact that Yumi was here. He cursed himself for overworking. He wasted a week in bed, sick when could've been with Yumi.
"Yumi, tell me everything you've done so far—in Japan and since you came back. I want to hear it all."
Yumi started from the second she touched down on Japanese soil to the minute Ulrich woke up. Somehow Ulrich stayed awake the entire time and just took in Yumi's face. When she finally finished, an hour had passed. "Please come back soon." Yumi nodded. She kissed him on the forehead, and Ulrich couldn't help but feel that it released some pent up tension in his head. Maybe he was just slipping back into unconsciousness though. Yumi gave him a small wave and left him to drift off to sleep.
FEBRUARY
Ulrich had been fuming throughout the rest of January and well into February. It was actually Valentine's Day, and he was in an even more rotten mood. Of all times to get better, he felt almost 100% the day after Yumi left, and ever since then he was pissed at everything. He was pissed at his job. Pissed at the fact that Yumi had to come home then (but not at Yumi—NEVER Yumi); and he was pissed at himself for being so adamant about working that he fell ill. So when he got the okay to start back work from his doctor (and his mother), he didn't even go. Instead, he decided to take walk around the city. And of course with him being in NYC, he only felt angrier when he returned.
But it was Valentine's Day, and he had been coming to work for the past week. He didn't do much, but he did enough to get by. He just so happened to be reading a novel that he was supposed okay for publishing, when his mother entered his office. "Ulrich, why are you so miserable?"
"If you know I'm miserable, does it really help to just point it out? It only makes me feel worse." He closed the book and placed it on his desk. His mother stepped in further and frowned at the sorrowful heap that was her son.
"It's Valentine's Day, Ulrich. This is not the time to feel depressed.
"Well I don't really have anything to be happy over. I should be married by now! Shoot I could've been married twice! But both failed before we could even get to the altar."
"I'm sure this isn't about you being married. It's probably more to do with you not spending time with Yumi."
"That was like three weeks ago, mom."
"So. It's still bothering you. You're not even working hard for fear that Yumi will come back and you'll be sick again."
Ulrich had his head on his desk. He frowned at his mother. "I just wanna be with her." He whispered.
Mrs. Stern smiled at her son. She walked over to him and rubbed his back in an affectionate and caring way. "She will be back. And if she does decided to stay, we'll knock her out, kidnap her, and keep her prison in the basement."
"The basement is big enough for someone to live there." Ulrich joked.
"It's Valentine's Day." His mother repeated.
"You said that before."
"Why don't you call her?"
" . . . Maybe . . . probably . . . Most likely . . . I'll think about it."
"Happy Valentine's Day, Yumi-chan!" Momo said through the phone.
"Oh it's you."
"Hey! You should be excited! I know what it is. I'm not Ulrich."
Yumi frowned. "Ulrich should die."
"You've been saying that since you called and told me you arrived In China."
"And I'm sticking to it."
"It's not his fault he got sick."
"You're right. I mean everything decides to go without eating and sleeping. People just go around, saying, 'Gee; I'd rather go work for the next six hours than take it easy and eat a darn lunch,' that's very normal!"
"Well in Japan it is." Momo joked.
"Not even in Japan! I don't even care if we do have a word for someone who's worked to death."
"He'd fit right in though."
"Well enough about Mr. I'd rather Work Myself Into an Early Grave Than Hang Out With Yumi. How's everything going?"
"First off, that's a long name. Second, everything's going great."
"Got any chocolate from a girl?" Yumi cooed. She was referring to the Japanese Valentine's Day custom which entailed a girl giving chocolate to the man she liked.
"Just the obligatory kind. You know; the kind that says, 'Happy Valentine's Day! Just because you're my boss,'" Momo said as he frowned at the few pieces of chocolate that he received. "So are there any men in China looking your way?"
"Actually there are a few, but it's not going anywhere."
"Why not—oh that's right. You love Ulrich."
"Shut up."
"Well, I better get going. Some of the guys decided to go out for a Singles Night. Maybe I'll leave with a girlfriend!"
"Okay. Sayonara." Yumi hung up and slouched around her apartment. Even though it was Friday, she had nothing to do that night. She had no date; no one to hang out with; no one to even argue with. Plus she was still upset over Ulrich's sudden sickness. If work didn't kill him, she definitely would. Her phone rang again, and she answered without checking the caller ID.
"Mushi mushi."
"Sushi, sushi." Ulrich yelled. Yumi giggled.
"Baka."
"No, you're an idiot."
"I'm smart enough to know when to stop working."
"Well that hurts." Ulrich commented. "I really wish we could've hung out though. I am an idiot."
"You're an adorable idiot."
"Thanks; that makes me feel better. Happy Valentine's Day."
"Thanks! Yours is just beginning huh?"
"Yeah. I'll have to endure many a woman gushing over me. Pray for me."
"It can't be that bad. Maybe you'll find one you like."
"I already know who I want though."
Yumi's heart skipped a beat. She was definitely entertaining the idea that it could be her that he wanted. "And who do you want?"
"Not saying."
"Tell me."
"No. It's embarrassing."
"I don't think she'll think it's embarrassing."
"She may not, but I'm still not saying. But did anyone ask you to be there Valentine?"
"Some did, but I declined. I'm not going to be here for long, so I really don't see me dating anyone."
"Yeah, but it could've been a one-time thing."
"I don't do one-time things. Valentine's Day is a special day. You don't make anyone your Valentine without them being special to you."
"Well . . . do you wanna be my Valentine?"
"Oh so you think you're special to me?"
"I sign your paycheck."
"You are special!"
"Thought so."
"So were you serious there?"
"Yeah I mean . . . I just don't want to be without a Valentine."
"Oh so I'm last resort."
"I'm yours too! And my day is just starting. If wanted to, I could say yes to any of those women who ask me!"
"Then why don't you?" Yumi was loving this. Ulrich was hating this.
"Because they're not special to me." Yumi smiled.
"And how am I special to you?"
"You're what's expanding my business."
"Aww. How sweet."
"Are you gonna answer my question?"
"I dunno. I mean it's you."
"I can be a great Valentine."
"But whenever I come to you, you're sick."
"I was lovesick." Ulrich said it more as a question. Yumi laughed.
"Okay. I'll be your Valentine."
"Yay! Score!" Ulrich joked.
"So what now?"
"I don't know. I guess we should do something that Valentines do."
"And what's that?"
"How about I give you a kiss goodnight through the phone, and you give me a good morning kiss?"
"What no chocolates?"
"Sorry."
"Don't you think we're going too fast?" Yumi was trying hard not to laugh.
Ulrich said in a dramatic voice, "Don't worry; I'll be gentle." They both laughed.
"Okay, I think this is getting bit awkward. But seeing as it's just an innocent goodnight/morning kiss, I see nothing wrong with it."
"Yay! Score! Now pucker up." They both then made obnoxious kissing noises through the phone.
"MMMMWWAAHHHH!" they both yelled.
"Goodnight, my Sleeping Beauty."
"And Good morning my Prince Charming."
MARCH
It was first of March, and to Ulrich, that meant one thing: His birthday was in two days. He was looking forward to it, but was a bit disappointed that his Japanese love wouldn't be able to attend the party that his parents were so set on throwing him every year. He had stopped his moping around ever since he called Yumi on Valentine's Day, and they had been keeping close contact ever since. He made it clear that he wished for her to be there.
"I wish I could come too. Your parents have such awesome caters."
"Well I guess you'll miss out on stuffing your face."
"Well it's not the only reason. I also like the party favors. I could use a $20 gift card."
"Shallow. I thought you'd want to hang out with the birthday boy."
"You're good company."
"Speaking of company, how's it going in China?"
"It's going great. I've actually managed to find a way to set up multiple companies all over. It's going to take some time, but I'll be starting on India next week."
"You're a speed demon!" Ulrich remarked.
"Yeah, I've finally gotten the hang of this."
"Well could swing by the U.S. and come to my party?" Ulrich asked hopefully.
Yumi smirked. "You really want me to come. Why is it so important if I do anyways?"
"I just want to see you."
Yumi blushed. She was glad Ulrich couldn't see her. "Well that flattering."
"I miss you."
"I miss you too." A painful silence followed afterwards.
"So when do you think you'll be finished with everything? You should have an idea by now."
"I do."
"So when?"
"Hmm. Maybe 2 or 3."
"Two or three what?"
"Maybe five."
Ulrich laughed. "You are such a kid. Stop taking lines from iCarly."
"The fact that you even know where that came from speaks volumes about yourself as well."
"But for real; how long 'til I see you?"
"Why do you need to see me so badly?" Yumi asked seriously. She appreciated Ulrich's fervent need to see her, and she even hoped that it was because he loved her. The fact of the matter was that ever since Yumi left for Japan, Ulrich couldn't seem to do without telling her how much he missed her or how he wanted to see her soon. It was driving her crazy to say the least because he never let on as to why it was so important.
Ulrich wanted desperately to tell her how much he loved her. He wanted to ever since she left. The fear of Yumi leaving him for another guy constantly plagued his mind, and he just didn't want to let his chance slip through his fingers. It cherished their friendship and the time they spend together, but being without her was like going on withdrawal from a drug. And seeing as it had been so long since he had his fix, the same amount do. He wanted—needed more of Yumi. He had accepted it ever since she came to visit and he was too sick to be with her. Their friendship was no longer enough to keep Ulrich's true feelings away. The only reason he never confessed was because he just didn't feel comfortable giving his heart to someone over the phone who just so happened to be on the other side of the planet.
"I'm just being a baby. I wanna see my friend again. Is that so bad? I mean don't you want to see me again?"
"Course I do. I'm not whining though."
"Whatever. I gotta go."
"Oh so when I start questioning you, you wanna turn tail." Yumi stated.
"I call you tonight."
"Don't see why you have to, but if it keeps you from missing me anymore I'll answer." Yumi hung up the phone and sighed. She couldn't stop herself from smiling. She didn't just have an idea of when she'd be returning. She already had the final date. But she wanted her return to be a surprise. She'd love to see the look on her friends' faces when she saw them again.
Two days passed quickly, and it was now Ulrich's birthday. It was still a work day, so Ulrich still had to go to work. He got a text from Yumi wishing him a happy birthday that she would call him at the party so she could also talk to the others. Everyone at work wished him a happy birthday as well, and they all said they would be sure to come to the party. On the way to his office, the janitors all sang him happy birthday in barber shop quartet style. They did it every year. Ulrich just found it to be very amusing.
When he entered his office, Sissi was sitting in his chair eating applesauce. "So you decided to disrespect me on my birthday?"
"Yep." She said cheekily as she ate another spoonful of applesauce.
"I'll remember this when your birthday comes."
"You know you love me."
"That's unfortunately true."
"But, yeah. Happy Birthday, kid. I'll still smack ya." Sissi said. It was an old custom since they were kids. When they were young, Sissi had the bad habit of hitting Ulrich on his head for every bad thing he would do. When it was his birthday, he made the mistake of telling her that he could do anything he wanted. Sissi then hit him on the head and said that line. Every year afterwards, she would make sure to remind Ulrich who really was boss.
"Meanie Head." Ulrich said as he stuck his tongue out at her.
"Did you talk to Yumi?"
"She texted me. She'll call tonight."
"That cool. I can tell her off for not telling me about how she's pregnant with your child."
Ulrich was dumbfounded. "What!?"
"Momo told me. Apparently a couple months ago her parents were talking about you and Yumi hooking up for the sake of the children."
"You know you talk an awful with Momo." Ulrich retorted.
"So what? Maybe I'm in love too." Sissi shrugged. "There's just one thing he hasn't done yet to capture my heart."
"What's that?"
"Send me applesauce, duh." Ulrich laughed.
Soon it was time for the party, and was going like every other party did. "Do you realize that it was just last year that you were engaged to Emily and you had no thoughts of even being with Yumi?" Jeremie asked him.
"My goodness. You would've thought that everything would change so fast." Ulrich answered. "And now you and Aelita are married. Odd and Sam are getting married this November. Sissi's gone from being the freaking receptionist to the freaking legal advisor. And I went from being engaged to being single and hopelessly in love with my secretary who is on the other side of the globe."
"Well at least our lives are going great." Sam said.
"I got one heck of a pay raise though. I'm lovin' that." Sissi beamed.
"Well I'm happy for you all. I just wish something in my life could go right."
"Okay! Ulrich give us a speech, and then we'll sing happy birthday." Mrs. Stern said.
Ulrich wondered why he always had to give a speech. He didn't care for it at all. "Thanks for coming everyone. I'm really glad you all could come. Hopefully this year will be much better than the fiasco I had last year. I'm just thankful to have such great friends and two loving parents. Enjoy yourselves, and make sure you have some cake."
Once they sang happy birthday to him, his parents told him he had a phone call, and that it was Yumi.
"Happy Birthday!"
"Thanks, Yumes. Hold on and let me put you on speaker. I'll go get the others too."
Mr. Stern interrupted him. "Hey, son, I left your gift over in the other living room. Go get it and show it to everyone."
"Well I'll go get the others after I see my present." Ulrich said to Yumi as he made his way to the other living room."
"Greedy. You can still get the others."
"Yeah, but I wanna see what I got. My mom and dad have been saying I'm going to love it. I can't wait to see it."
"What do you think it is?"
"It might be the new cell phone I wanted. Or maybe it's the keys to another car. I don't care. I'll love it either way."
"Lucky. I wish my parents were rich enough to get me that."
"Well that's what's like when you're a spoilt rich kid."
"Does it have to be expensive though? Maybe it's cheap."
"If it's cheap then maybe it's a new soccer ball. I'd like that too, but I don't see why they'd get all hyped up over that. But if it's cheap, then must be something of sentimental value or something. You know, something more valuable in the sense of cherishing . . ." Ulrich stopped dead in his tracks. He was in his living room and he had to admit, this was the best present ever.
"So, do you cherish it Ulrich?" Yumi said through the phone. She smiled and closed her phone. "Remember you can't complain. You did wish to see me today." Yumi stood before him smiling at his bewildered, speechless face.
Ulrich let out a laugh. "Wh-what are you doing here? You're supposed to be in China!"
"Yeah, I took a flight here sometime yesterday. I told you I had an idea when I'd come back."
"You know between my parents and you, I don't know who's more of a devil." Ulrich stated as he pulled Yumi into a hug. "And I do cherish this."
"Of course. Everyone smart man would want me for his birthday."
Ulrich squeezed her as he swayed from side to side. "I will love you; and hug; and play with you; and take care you forever and ever." Ulrich said in a childish voice. "I shall call you my Yumi Bear!"
Yumi laughed. "Yumi Bear? That's dorkish."
"I like it. It reminds me of that Teddy Bear song."
"The one with the chain around the neck?"
"Yeah, I love that song. It's so cute." Yumi giggled. "What?"
"I just can't imagine big, burly Ulrich thinking of something being cute."
"Well I guess I'm more of a grizzly bear, huh?"
"You're a yeti." Yumi said as she pulled out of his grasp and smiled at him.
"Then maybe I'll eat tear you to shreds then."
"I didn't come all the way from China to get killed you know."
"I didn't come all the way from the other living room to get a woman for my birthday."
"You make sound so dirty." Yumi said playfully hitting him on his arm.
"The birthday boy's really happy." Ulrich said raising his eyebrows. "Do I get to unwrap my present?"
Yumi blushed and turned away. "Yeah, that's going a bit too far, don't you think."
"Sorry, I got caught up in the moment."
"That's what they all say."
"And sometimes it's true."
"Doesn't make it right."
"Well you being here is definitely right." Ulrich said as wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned into him, her head resting on his chest.
"This feels right." Yumi said softly.
"I really hate asking, but when do you leave?"
Yumi smiled. She broke free of his grasp and turned to look him in the eye. "You'll be glad to know that I finished my duties the day before yesterday."
Ulrich's eyes looked as if they were ready to pop out of his skull. "But how? What about India?"
"I had a head or the Indian Dept. pick out, and I gave them strict guidelines, and it's pretty much being set up by him. He'll send me reports, and I'll okay everything that way. It's really the easiest way because with all of the expansions, it'd be foolhardy for Indian Companies not to join in on the fun. So it pretty much worked out itself."
"You are amazing." Ulrich praised her.
"I know. I am now a true professional businesswoman. I'll be waiting in to take your place soon. Soon, all of this will be mine."
"Challenge accepted."
"Yumi!" the two lovebirds turned around to see Aelita dashing towards them followed by Sam who was hot on her heels. Odd then lunged himself at the four who were trying to group hug and not fall over at the same time. Odd successfully caused them all to hit the floor and just to join the chaos, Jeremie and Sissi jumped into the dogpile as well.
"How dare you try and keep Yumi all to yourself, Ulrich." Sam scolded.
"It's not my fault. I'm a spoilt rich kid, remember?"
"No excuse. We want to see Yumi too." Aelita said.
"She's alive! I thought you died or something." Odd stated.
"Why would you think that?" Yumi asked.
"I think everyone that I haven't seen in weeks is dead."
"That sounds like a mental issue." Jeremie commented.
"Well who knows. She could've been for all we knew. And the way Ulrich was carrying on, you'd think she had only a few months to live." Sissi joked.
"I wasn't that bad."
"Yes you were Ulrich." Sam said. She then turned to Yumi. "I'll have to feel you in on all of the details. You will be staying over at the apartment, right?"
"No I was gonna spend the night at Ulrich's bachelor pad." Yumi answered. Everyone stared at her in complete shock. "Guys, I'm kidding."
"Don't say things like that!" Ulrich said.
"Oh you do it all the time."
"I think it's cute." Aelita said.
"Well come over tomorrow then." Sam said. "You go and have your fun with the birthday boy."
Odd had a perverted smile on his lips. "Birthday suits." He said.
"ODD!" Ulrich and Yumi yelled as they tried to kill the pervert.
"Hands off the fiancé!" Sam said. Jeremie shook his head and tried to keep from laughing. Aelita and Sissi were laughing out loud and watched the two couples tag team wrestle the other.
It was hard to believe that it had actually been over a year since Yumi started working at Stern Co. It was hard to believe that when Ulrich and Yumi met, Ulrich was engaged and Yumi was steel emotionally attached to her ex, Zander. But everything had changed as the year went by, and now here they were, acting like complete fools. A year had gone by, and they were all closer than they had ever been before.
You probably thought the title was referring to Yumi leaving for a year, but it's actually the fact that this story has just completed a year. I checked and it's about a year and half actually. Of course there was no real month given for when the story started, but I decided to check and see when the story would actually have to start for the events that were put on a particular date to occur (particularly JxA's wedding). It may not be entirely accurate, but it's close enough. We still have a way's to go. But rest assured, this story will end AFTER Yumi and Ulrich get together. Not WHEN but AFTER meaning things will take place AFTERwards. Okay, now I'm just doing that for fun.
Anyways, I absolutely love the next chapter. With the company now stretching worldwide, it's time to celebrate this momentous achievement. The good and the bad will be there, and there's a surprise waiting at the end. Is it good? Is it bad? Well I'll tell you this. It will leave you dying to see what happens aftwards (hint hint cliffhanger . . . to a certain degree). All of this in the next chapter.
Chapter 25: High Stakes Dating
