Once and Again Chapter 7
I do not own all of the Dragon Ball series. It is owned by Mr. Akira Toriyama. What I own is this story I would like to thank mr. karot for adding this story in his/her favorite story list and for the review.
Authors Note: This chapter is going to be quite sad compared to the previous ones. I have to include this because it is needed in the story though I myself am sad.
Crossroads
When Chichi and Goku came home after their romantic trip to the beach, Mr. Ox King was in the living room waiting for Chichi. He wore a serious look on his face. She knows that when her father has this kind of disposition it means there is something to be concerned about.
Chichi cautiously approached him and daintily greeted; "Hello Papa, have you had your dinner?" The Ox King replied tenderly yet sternly yes I am done with dinner." Chichi couldn't stand the suspense anymore finally inquired her father."Papa is anything the matter?"
The Ox King exhaled and then answered her daughter's query. "Chichi sweetie, I received this letter today." The Ox King took the envelope and gently handed it to his lovely daughter. To her dismay she saw that it is a letter from a medical institution that specializes in cancer treatment. Chichi hugged her father tightly and cried. She couldn't believe that her jovial and strong father has a life threatening sickness.
Her father gently rubbed her back and softly said, "Sweetie please don't cry, my heart aches when you cry. Papa's not giving up. I want to walk you down the aisle on your wedding day." Chichi never let go of her father she held onto him until she calmed down. She then inquired again."Papa, since when did you know you got Lymphoma? And what stage is it now?" Mr. Gyumao King replied; "I've known it for 5 months now and it is on stage 3. I've been frequenting my visits to the Oncologist and my homeopathy doctor so that I am not going to grow weak and still get to work." Chichi lovingly protested. "Papa, aren't you suppose to rest? You've been training me and Goku how to run our businesses and Mr. Gohan is there to help out. So why do you still have to work? Mr. Gyumao smiled, "Sweetie working perks me up and it makes me forget about my indisposition." The Ox King continued, "This is also the reason why I was insistent about the engagement treaty. However, you and Goku proved to me and Gohan Sr. that, both you and Goku are able to make your relationship work. Tomorrow we are going to have breakfast at the Son's estate to discuss our pressing concerns." Father and daughter embraced each other again before retiring for the night.
The next day at the Son's Estate
Goku is being jovial as usual is going for a morning swim at their infinity pool. He loves taking morning laps at their spectacular infinity pool when he is not spending time in his Martial Arts training. He is so absorbed with his morning activity that he didn't notice that his beautiful fiancé is already there watching him intently as he swims like a merman he turned his head up, he saw Chichi sitting on one of the loungers with a somber look on her face. He hastily got out of the pool and towel dried himself up and walked towards Chichi. He tenderly greeted her. "Hi honey, why do you look so sad? Is there something bugging you?" Chichi then began to cry and said "Oh Goku Papa's seriously ill." She told him in between her cry." Goku gently pulled her close to him to enclose her in a comforting embrace and let her cry to her heart's content. He didn't say a word until she's done crying. "Chi, I am here for you all of us are here for you. You wouldn't be alone in this." After saying that, he gently kissed her on the lips. Goku didn't pull out his embrace. He just cradled her in his arms for a little while longer until Chichi completely calmed down.
After an hour breakfast is served at the pool side. Goku is now dressed with a red polo shirt and a checkered khaki walking shorts and loafers.
Chichi looks stunning in her lilac sundress paired with a deep purple wedge and purse. Her hair is pulled up in a pony tail with 2 loose strands on both sides. She is wearing a lilac pearl necklace with matching bracelet which is given by Goku on their engagement party 6 months ago.
Gohan Sr. cleared his throat and started the discussion. "Goku, Chichi, I think you already know the reason for this breakfast gathering. We have to talk about the actions we need to take regarding your father's condition." Goku and Chichi nodded in recognition. Gohan Sr. continued. "Ox has to go overseas to undergo with his cancer treatment; and according to the Oncologist who will administer the treatment over there, it will take 8 months to one year, before he gets home and another 3 months until he is fully recovered." Ox King then added. "I need the two of you to decide whether you are willing to move up the schedule of your wedding or retain the original wedding date. I asked you this because Chichi has to accompany me during my treatment and it is going to be almost a year and it depends on my progress."
Goku cleared his throat and then cautiously replied."Sir, may I request that you give me and Chichi a moment to discuss about this matter? This is too much for both of us to absorb." Chichi respectfully added, "Papa, Goku and I will talk about it right away and will give our answer right away. May we please be excused?" Gohan Sr. nodded and the beautiful couple stepped out.
Now at Goku's sports room
The couple is sitting on the bar drinking a grape smoothie. Goku puts down his smoothie glass on the bar and stroked Chichi's cheek gently and gave her his sweetest smile that makes her melt everytime. "Chi, I don't want to pressure you but, I think it is also a good idea if we push the date of our wedding. I don't see anything wrong with that since we are going to get married anyway." Chichi looked earnestly into Goku's sparkling eyes and honestly said, "Goku, I don't think we need to rush into marriage. We are already betrothed what wrong can possibly happen between us? We've been part of each other's lives for so long nothing and no one can tear us apart." Goku felt his excitement fade away. Because he did want to marry Chichi and he doesn't seem to mind if it is earlier. But sadly Chichi doesn't share his excitement as of the moment. Chichi's heart ached when she saw the sad look on Goku's eyes. But she has to be firm and yet she couldn't bring herself to hurt him in anyway. When she is about to add something to what she said, Goku intercepted her."Chi why are you hesitating to get married sooner? I have promised you that I am going to support you in realizing your dream to become a Chef remember? Are you beginning to feel anxious and afraid again?" Chichi gently shook her head and replied. "Goku sweetheart, I don't have any regrets in getting engaged with you; you know how much I love you right? I need you to understand that I am not ready to get married just yet. I have to focus on taking care of Papa. If we wed right away, my attention is going to be divided between you and Papa. Goku I can't handle that pressure. Please understand? Chichi looked at Goku pleadingly. Goku earnestly looked at Chichi and with a sad smile said, " It seems like, I wouldn't be able to convince you huh?" Chichi's heart breaks and her eyes well up with tears. She then tenderly said; " Sweetheart I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." Goku held her tight ...
Back at the poolside
Mr. King and Mr. Son stayed to discuss further about how they would manage their businesses in Mister King's leave of absence and what steps to take in order for the engagement of the young couple to not get negatively affected.
Authors note: I know this is quite a sad chapter. I am quite sad myself when I wrote this part. And yes Chichi and Goku are a bit OOC here but in a good way though. I appreciate insightful feedbacks…