As standard I own nothing but my ideas.
Listening to the echoes of Jamie's retreating steps I wonder why we were speaking in Japanese in an environment that everyone around could over hear this conversation. And ones that I wasn't prepared to explain what was going on. But since they heard about Ranka I guess I'll have to explain everything ... including about Ai. But I guess there is no beating around the bush at this point. Best to just have them sit all together and explain everything that I've been hiding from them.
Still sitting in the same chair that I'd already had one difficult mostly one sided conversation I said, "Have a seat guys." Quietly most of them did just that; however, not all of them are that easy to deal with.
When later than expected the over the top Tamaki went off. "Why has my daughter not told of us him? And why weren't we called to be introduced to him? Daughter why didn't you introduce us?"
In a monotone voice I once again said, "Have a seat guys." Getting up I took the tea tray and placed it by the sink in the back and returned with a new tray piled with a large steaming tea pot, seven matching tea cups, a sugar bowl, and a small creamer. Setting the tray down once again in the center of the table I went into the back once again and grabbed a small tray piled high with various treats from a new bakery that the club was trying.
Sitting down in the same chair I looked around at the males around me and wondered if I was really going to spill my past to them. But of course at this point I really had no other option - not when my family was going to be involved again. However, for a time maybe I can stall for a while longer. Gathering all of the cups in front of me I took the top off and removed the tea infuser from the pot and put it on the extra tea cup plate. And handing each three-quarters full cup and plate to each of the guys that sat around me that I'd gotten to know so well during the past several months.
"So I guess I had better start from the beginning shouldn't I?" Continuing to pour the cups full and passing them around until I had poured the last and placed it in front of me and put the pot back on the tray. "I guess I should start with the obvious I'm not an only child. That was Jamie he's about ten minutes older than me." I said with a soft smile on my face. "Jamie isn't my only sibling either. But for now he's all you need to be aware of." Glancing around once again and taking note of their faces I couldn't help but think will any of them still be my friend after this has come to a public head ... or will I even survive to see it that end?
With an emotionally thick voice I said, "Ranka's dead."
With no other explanation I got up from the table grabbed my bag and started to walk towards the now empty apartment that I once shared with Ranka ... my beloved uncle. The man that risked all and sacrificed everything he had to get me out. How I wish he was still here. Still here to help figure out a solution that would at least save Ai. Well maybe Jamie will have better solutions, then what contacts Ranka still trusted, to help figure something out that will have a better ending. Until then I hope the guys - mainly Kyoya - don't figure out who Jamie is and in the process find out who I really am.
I also hope that Kyoya doesn't corner and black mail me into telling him everything. But knowing Kyoya that's exactly what he's going to do. Hopefully emotionally breaking down won't be a part of that experience. Out of my peripheral vision I noticed a black stretch limo slowing to a stop along side me not much further than a block away from the school. These rich people sure do work fast! Turning I looked at the back passenger side window as the limo came to a stop and the window silently came down to reveal a recognizable dark haired head. Kyoya.
"Get in." With that the window rolled back up and the door opened. Rich bastard just assuming that I'll get in; it's not like I haven't walked this path many times in the past several months. Then in the distance the distinctive sound of thunder was heard as the rain suddenly began to pour all around the school area, the limo, and I included. Unfreezing from the shocked fear that had momentarily frozen me holding the door in preparation to closing it and instead jumped in scared and dripping water all over the heated leather seat that I now found myself sitting upon.
Settling into the seat that Kyoya had vacated with my abrupt entrance, closing the door, setting my school bag on the floor in front of my legs, I turned back towards the door and blindly stared out the window. That confrontation is going to happen sooner than expected. And here I'd been thinking that I this could be postponed long enough so that Ai would have a sitter during this instead of having to sense all the emotional unrest that is going to happen.
"Haruhi, how are you feeling?" I turned and was startled that not only was Huni-kun there but all the guys were there. Feeling as though drowning in grief is not a good thing to have happen even among a friend ... er friends.
Even more importantly I shouldn't start down this path knowing that I have to take care of Ai. "I need to get home."
Completely ignoring me Kyōya's driver continued to head towards the Ootori main compound. This isn't going to work the way think it's going to. At the next red light that the limo stopped I grabbed my bag and left the limo – the guys and all.
Heading towards home and towards my daughter hoping that when all this clears that she'll still be in care.