December Sorrow: Chapter 11
Author's note: I just want to thank everyone who has read this far; I know things are looking kind of depressing, but I promise it gets better! I'm dedicating this entire chapter to a very dedicated and kind reviewer; Zoe-3. Thank you so much for reading, I really appreciate everything! This one's for you!
"Daddy, can you sing Mommy's song again?"
I sighed and brushed Ushio's hair behind her ear. "Again? You really like that song don't you?"
Ushio pulled the covers up and nodded, "It's my favorite."
I chuckled as I began to sing their song.
Dango, dango, dango, dango, dango daikazoku…
Ever since we came back from the trip, Ushio has been living with me. I decided to quit my job and start the farm again also.
Chelsea would have wanted it that way.
I still find myself wondering what things would have been like if I never met Chelsea. I come back to that day when we first met… and I never say a word to her; everyday I think of this. But when I'm feeling unsure, Ushio is my reason to say something. I don't know what I'd do with out her… Soon Ushio was asleep, curled up with a stuffed Dango toy. I walked over to my room and got under the covers. The side where Chelsea used to sleep is still empty… I gazed at a picture of us on the nightstand. It was our wedding day.
"Goodnight Chelsea," I whispered, "I miss you."
A single tear slid down my cheek and fell gently onto my pillow. I soon fell asleep to the quiet noises of the island night.
"Daddy! It's time to wake up! I have to go to school!"
I opened my eyes slowly and looked over at the clock… 6:30. The sun was just rising! Man, I haven't been up this early for ages!
"Just five more minutes, Ushio."
Ushio laughed as she jumped on my bed, yelling, 'time to get up, sleepy head!'
"Ok, Ok, I'm up. I just need some coffee."
I reluctantly rolled out of bed, expecting a hangover. But there was no pounding in my head or the taste of alcohol and puke in my mouth. Over the last week, I've woken up this way; and I was happy to keep it like that.
After breakfast, I put Ushio in the car and made my way over to her school. When we got there, Ushio practically jumped out of the car and ran over to her teacher….. Alisa? Alisa was Ushio's kindergarten teacher?
She was taller and looked much more mature.
"Hello Vaughn! Long time no see!"
I smiled at Alisa as I watched Ushio play in the sand box with her friend, Ellie. Jeez, I just washed that uniform….
"Yeah, too long. So you're a kindergarten teacher now?"
"Yeah… I decided to come back here when I heard they were building a school. I kind of gave up on my fortune telling though," Alisa laughed.
Alisa and I sat down on the bench and talked while the children played happily outside. I wish everyone could be here right now; I wish it was like the Saturday's at the Café sometimes. Alisa became very quiet and stared at the ground.
"I heard about Chelsea, Vaughn… I'm so sorry."
I clenched my fist and faked a smile. I couldn't count how many times I've heard that. All of a sudden, Alisa bit her lip, as if trying not to start crying.
"It's too bad they're cutting all those cherry tree's down in the mountains huh? I know that was a special place for you…"
My eyes grew wide with shock; they're cutting the tree's down? They can't!
I got up and ran over to my car, "I'm sorry, I have to go! It was nice talking to you! Make sure Ushio stays out of trouble," I shouted.
My hands began to shake as I got closer and closer to the mountains. So far, the mountains are the only place that has stayed the same since our new mayor came. It's the only place where you can still clearly see the stars. The place where Chelsea and I met; the place I promised would stay the same. I could hear the sound of construction workers shouting, trucks rumbling, and things falling to the ground.
By the time I got there, three trees were already cut down. I pulled the car over and rushed my way over to the construction sight.
"STOP," I shouted loudly, but everyone continued on whatever they were doing. I didn't know what to do… so, I ran over to a tree they were about to cut down and stood firmly in front of it.
"Please stop this right now! I'm begging you not to cut down these trees!"
The guy in the bulldozer glared at me, "Get out of the way, son! It's already been ordered by the mayor to cut everything down!"
Before I knew it, all the workers stopped what they were doing and they stared.
"You have no idea how important this place is to me, so please stop what you are doing. Let me have this one thing… Please!"
The man in the bulldozer sighed and called someone on the phone. After an hour, news reporters were everywhere; townspeople came and watched. Some even stood in front of trees with me. Soon the stars filled the skies and more and more people picked a tree and joined me.
My legs began to get tired and my stomach growled, but I wasn't about to give up.
I felt someone tugging on my shirt and when I looked down, I saw Ushio. She was holding a bottle of water and a sandwich.
"I got this for you Daddy. I know how important this is for you… Gwandma told me!"
I laughed as I took a bite of the sandwich.
"Daddy, can I help you save Mommy's trees?"
For some reason my heart stopped and I felt like crying. I smiled at Ushio as I ruffled her hair.
"Of coarse you can help me, Ushio."
Ushio sat down next to me and yelled at the construction workers. This got the news reporters attention…
A blond lady wearing a revealing suit ran over to Ushio and me with her camera crew.
"Sir, we've heard you are the one who started this protest. Is this true?"
"Yes."
Ushio jumped up and down, "Me and Daddy are saving Mommy's trees!"
The news reporter smiled as she bent down next to Ushio.
"So why are you and your Daddy here, sweetie?"
Ushio gleamed and looked up to the cameras, "This is where Mommy and Daddy met. I don't remember Mommy very much, but I do know she made Daddy smile and she worked very hard to have me."
The news reporter seemed startled at my little girl's answer. She looked up at me sympathetically.
"Did Daddy tell you stories about Mommy?"
"He sure did! He told me the whole story. I can tell you if it's alright with Daddy!"
Ushio looked up at me for permission. I nodded slowly. If they know the story, maybe they'll stop the construction.
Everyone gathered around us as Ushio began our story.
"Mommy wasn't very sure of herself and she was always getting sick. But she still had the courage to take over a farm. She had a funny habit of yelling out the name of food she was craving when she was scared or nervous. That's how Mommy and Daddy met. She yelled out 'curry bread' and that got Daddy's attention…."
As Ushio was finishing the story, the whole town stood around her, listening intently. Many people were crying.
The news reporter was teary-eyed and desperately trying to fix her makeup.
"Is this all true Mr. Vault's?"
By now my face was covered with my hands to hide the fact I was crying like a baby.
"Y-Yes. That's why I'm here today. To keep a promise. I promised my wife this place would remain the same, so please… please stop the construction."
"Well folks, you heard it first on Channel 98. Please send in any e-mails regarding the construction of the forest and on Mr. Vaults hear retching story."
At first, only one person began clapping. Then two. And soon, the entire crowd was cheering.
Ushio tugged on my shirt again, looking up at me with sad, tired eyes.
"Does this mean we saved Mommy's trees Daddy?"
I got down on my knees and hugged Ushio tightly. "No baby girl. You saved Mommy's trees."
"All by myself?"
"All by yourself," I smiled.
The mayor climbed on top of a tree stump and shouted into his bullhorn. "Alrighty, people! We'll have a town meeting and decide whether or not to continue the demolition for a new mall, or keep the forest."
People cheered, whistled and shouted. I remained silent.
"Did you hear that Daddy? They aren't going to cut down the trees!"
I chuckled happily. "I sure did Ushio… I sure did."
I picked up Ushio, and put her in the car. As soon as she was placed in her car seat, she fell asleep.
As I was driving back home, I looked up at the stars. And for some reason, I felt as if Chelsea was watching over us.
"I promise you Chelsea, I'm not going to let anything happen to our daughter. I promise."
"….Daddy? Who are you talking to?"
I looked in the rear view mirror and smiled gently at Ushio. "Nobody baby girl. Go back to sleep."
With Ushio now in my life, and Chelsea watching over us in heaven…. I knew everything will be ok.
A week later, they had a town meeting regarding the new mall. Everyone voted… but they decided to keep the construction going. When Mirabelle told me this, I was furious.
"Are you telling me, they heard my story, supported me at the protest, turn their backs and vote for the demolition? How could they do this?"
"People can change their minds, Vaughn," Mirabelle said quietly.
I plopped down on my couch next to Mirabelle and gulped down an entire glass of hot milk.
"What am I supposed to tell Ushio? She truly thought she saved her mothers trees."
Mirabelle stared sadly at the coffee table. "I don't know Vaughn. But Ushio is a strong girl. She can handle it."
"I hope your right."
That night, when Ushio got home from school, I told her… Just as I thought, Ushio was very upset. I spent hours holding her while she cried, making her warm milk and cookies, and singing to her. About five hours of doing this, Ushio was quiet.
"Are you ok baby girl?"
Ushio nodded. "We couldn't save Mommy's trees. I'm sad… that… I-I couldn't help. But I'm happy we tried."
"That's very mature Ushio…"
Soon enough, Ushio was asleep in my arms.
The next morning… I got a call from Chelsea's parents. They told me how sorry they were about the cherry trees, and they would like it if I could take Ushio over to the city to see them. After I hung up the phone, I began packing. Ushio needs a little time away…. As do I.
"Are we going on another trip?"
"We sure are. We're going to see Grandma Claire and Grandpa Greg."
"Gwandma Claire and Gwandpa Greg," Ushio laughed as she clapped happily.
The next day, Ushio and I got on the ferry to the city. I couldn't help but remember the visits with Chelsea. Things were so much simpler back then… I watched Ushio run around excitedly around the ship, giggling at the seagulls, and looking down at the rushing sea water. I laughed at the thought of Chelsea doing the exact same thing.
Two hours went by and we were in the city.
When we got to the bakery, I noticed how the shop seemed to be worn out. The 'Furokawa Bread' sign was broken, the sky blue paint was chipping, and the front yard was covered in weeds. I then heard the ringing bell when someone opened the door. Standing in front of me was none other than Claire and Greg. They both looked skinnier and parts of their hair were entirely grey.
"Vaughn! It's so nice to see you," Claire cheered.
"And you brought little Ushio with you….," Greg smiled.
Ushio ran up to the both of them and gave both a hug. We all laughed and made our way inside.
"It's getting hot outside isn't it? Summer is pretty close. I know… I'll make everyone some iced tea."
Claire got up and went into the kitchen; Ushio following right behind her.
I sighed contently and sat back in my chair.
"It's nice isn't it?"
I gave Greg a confused look. "What's nice?"
Greg smiled. "Having a family."
I frowned. Greg had recently lost his daughter… it never occurred to me that Chelsea was also important to a lot of other people. Both Greg and I's family is broken. "It sure is."
Later, Claire and Ushio came out with the iced tea. We all talked about the farm, Ushio's schooling and many other things for hours, then we all went outside to play some base ball. That day I taught Ushio how to play ball. I was so proud to watch her make her first homerun…
"Ushio might be better at baseball than you, Gregy!"
Greg laughed, "She just might, Claire!"
When the sun began to set, we all went out to eat; Ushio laughing the entire time. We were probably the loudest in the whole restaurant, actually we were told to stay quiet three times! To be honest, it was the most fun I've had in a while. Just like last time I was in the city with Chelsea's parents. We finally went back to the bakery when Ushio passed out in her spaghetti.
After putting Ushio in the bath, and tucking her in bed, I went into the living room.
"She sure is a handful Vaughn," Claire sighed as she sat down on the couch.
"I wasn't surprised Claire. She's just like her mother."
We all were quiet when Greg said this. Suddenly, I was consumed by guilt. "I'm so sorry you two…"
Claire sniffled. Greg stared at the family portrait.
"It's not your fault Vaughn. In fact, Chelsea has faced death before. It's a miracle she lived that long."
"Greg's right Vaughn. Besides, Chelsea lived a very happy and fulfilled life. She wouldn't want it any other way."
I played with my thumbs and ignored the stinging feeling in my heart. "I just miss her so much."
Greg patted my back, "We all do Vaughn…"
Then we looked up to see Ushio standing in the hallway. She looked deathly pale when she wobbled closer towards us.
"D-D-Daddy…. I …. Don't feel so good."
As soon as she said those short, shaky words, Ushio passed out on the floor. I ran to her side, immediately thinking of the times Chelsea passed out the same way. I felt her head; she was burning up…
"Ushio… wake up! Can you hear me?"
Claire got up and ran towards the phone. "I need an ambulance! My granddaughter just passed out! Please hurry!"
Greg began to sob, "It's happening again…"
I listened to Claire yelling out the address, Greg weeping, and Ushio's short, raspy breaths.
I don't understand… she was fine a moment ago….
Soon, the ambulance arrived, rushing Ushio to the hospital, with me at her side.
I held on tightly to her cold little hand… hoping she will be ok.
"Hang in there Ushio. Daddy's going to make sure you get better… please just wait a little longer. Don't worry everything is going to be fine…"
At that time, I wasn't sure who I was reassuring… Ushio or myself.
Author's note: So what did you think? I didn't feel this was my best chapter… but I still hope you enjoyed! Sorry for not updating for so long… school has been crazy since the CST's are starting. Please review to let me know what you think!
-forevergone123