Chapter five
Why not?
A/N This is a shorter chapter because it's kind of a fluffy filler for the impending static to come.
Graduation is a joyful time for students across the board. For some it means the beginning of a life they chose to live, for others it is the decent into years of added academics. I stood against the back wall watching each of the students I had helped to mold accept their diplomas; their passes to the future. A shiver of pride rushed over my body coupled with a sadness. I missed her. The last of the names are read and I pick up my small box of items.
'I heard you were leaving.' The voice of my prized student is behind me.
'I've done all I can do.' I say looking her over, proud of her in ways I had not yet known.
'Haruka, I would have been lost without you.' Rachel says pulling me into an embrace. Her swollen stomach makes it harder to hug her but we manage. I carry my box to my car satisfied that I have indeed done everything I feel I can for the school. I had not so long ago decided to work on my own life before I could help another student. My relationship with Michiru had been rocky before I had caught her with Blake, and when I left the house three months ago I made the decision to figure out exactly what I wanted before I returned. I had spent nights awake in bed thinking about everything that had surpassed between us. All the accusations she had thrown at me. All the things I had asked her to do versus the things she had asked me. I compared our requests, compared the responses, the magnitude of each. I wondered if I had been selfish, if I had indeed requested more of her then I should have. And in that time alone and away I had come to the conclusion. Neither of us had been fair. Both of us were hurting, and I loved her. The problem I was facing was how to fix the situation. I felt too ashamed of my actions to rush back into the home we had shared and beg her to forgive me and let us try again. I punched my car into gear and sped to my rented apartment passing, as I did daily, the house we had shared. As usual I pushed the gas harder as I drove past. The house looked the same, as if a happy couple still dwelled inside. My heart leapt. A frown placed itself against my lips as I pulled into the parking garage of my apartment, once my car was placed and shut off I grabbed the box from the trunk and headed for my home. I rounded the corner to my door stopping in shock at the figure of a woman standing at the end of the hall.
'Haruka.'
'Michiru.' I said nearly dropping my box. 'How did you find me?' I asked trying to hide my excitement.
'I called Hotaru.' She answered logically and I mentally cursed my extended family while I reminded myself to thank them later.
'I see.' I said pushing my key into the lock and letting her into my place. 'What can I do for you?' I ask placing the box on the counter in the kitchen.
'I miss you.' She answers in the sweetest tone I could have imagined. My heart warms but my mind warns against it.
'Do you.' I say almost bitter.
'Haruka, I'm sorry. This is not what I wanted to happen. I love you. I miss you so much. Three months is too long to be apart.' She says her hands busy with the hem of her shirt, her eyes fixed on the floor, brimming with tears. I want so badly to go to her, to take her into my arms and tell her it's ok. I stand fast. 'I can't leave my job. But I can't live without you. I hope we can find a balance. I promise not to make any more decisions with you. Blake has been fired and I told them no more escorts. I would rather go to these events alone. I've cut my class days to be home more, I want this to work Haruka I'm doing what I can.' The frown that had made its home on my lips has taken its leave and a smile creeps up. I try to hide it as I cross the room, taking her shaking frame into my arms. She cries into me, her tears soaking my shirt. 'Please come home. Please.' She says between sobs.
'Yes, alright.' I say stroking her hair. Letting her calm down. Her eyes meet mine, and for the first time in over a year I see something other then pain behind her beautiful blues.
