Afternote: After taking an unintentional hiatus from the story, I've finally finished chapter 4! Life has had me super occupied so when I have more time, I'll crank out chapter 5! In the meantime, enjoy!
Nagisano ~Around the Lakeside~
Chapter 4: Attack of the Virus
"Kyle! You good man?" a voice called out.
The voice came from a guy that was about 5'4 with short black hair, brown eyes, and slightly brown colored skin. He was wearing the same scrapyard worker uniform as Kyle. Kyle realized he had spaced out while pulling a starter off of a car at work. He quickly recollected himself and got back to work.
"Yeah Mace, I'm good. It's just been one of them days," Kyle replied to his coworker while putting on a forced smile.
"Well hurry up and get the starter off, you've been starring at it for a good 5 minutes," Kyle's coworker replied to him.
"Dang it's been that long?" Kyle asked. He clearly was nervous, as he had almost forgot what he was originally doing. After he pulled the starter off of the car he was assigned, he took it to the cashier. Kyle apologized to her about the wait and went back to the shop. Noticing that everyone was wrapping up the day's work, he looked outside to see the orange sunset.
Amazing, I even forgot what time it was.
He began to help everyone close up and prepare for Monday. Kyle went to close the shop bays and lock them. After making sure they were secure, he decided to help Mace clean the tools.
"Hey man you can go ahead and go home. I got this," Mace patted Kyle's back.
"You sure, man? I feel like I haven't been productive enough today," Kyle looked down.
"Look, I don't know what's going on with you but go home and get some rest, homie. I got this," Mace gave Kyle a thumbs up.
"If you say so man, I'm off then," Kyle then opened the front door and walked outside. He was expecting his grandma to come and get him. Kyle sat down on a bench in front of the junkyard's main building.
Just then, his phone began to ring. Seeing it was his grandma, he picked it up after walking to the side of the building.
"Hey grandma,"
"Hey Kyle, are you off work yet?"
"I just got off, are you coming to pick me up?"
"Actually no, Aoi is coming to get you. I just had something I wanted to tell you."
"What's up?" Kyle felt nervous as his grandma sounded serious.
"Kyle, I just wanted to tell you I have COVID. I called Jo already and told him that you'll get tested this evening after Aoi comes to get you. I packed you some clothes and you'll be staying at Stefani's until I can come back home from the hospital."
Kyle didn't know what to think, he just stood there in disbelief.
"I know it's a lot but you're going to be okay sweetheart."
"How did you get it grandma?"
"I wish I knew, but I don't. Anyways, I have go now and take my medicine. I love you Kyle."
"I love you too grandma."
The call ended and Kyle went back around to the front of the building. He slumped down on the bench and stared off into the distance. There was no doubt that Kyle was ready for 2020 to be over. Not even 6 months had passed before his normal life was out of sight. First school closed down, next masks came into play, then his beloved car stopped working, and now his grandma had the virus.
"It sucks, I'm ready for it to be over. But the one thing that has made 2020 worthwhile is that Aoi came back into my life. I just hope I have what it takes to make her happy. I love her to death. Plus, I wanna make dad proud this year."
Before he could think about the tragedy that happened to his dad, a chainsaw sounding exhaust sound made Kyle perk up at an instant. When he looked up, he couldn't believe his eyes. There was Kyle's RX-7 in the scrap yard's front parking lot. As he walked over to it, Aoi got out of the driver side.
Kyle's jaw dropped, "Aoi, what is this?"
"Your car is fixed. I had some assistance of getting a new engine put in. And before you ask how I knew where to come, Stefani told me where you work. Anyways, you can start driving your car again. I hope you enjoy it darling," Aoi smiled to Kyle.
Kyle could barely put his thoughts into words, "Aoi, I know you love me but we just started dating not even a month ago. You don't have to go to these lengths for me,"
Before Aoi spoke, she thought back to what Stefani had told her the morning before she drove to the scrapyard. "Aoi, dear, this is my gift to you. You and Kyle were meant for each other and I'm rooting for you two. This is my way of helping you find a way to express your love to him. All the time you put in really shows your feelings. When you see him, remember that this was your doing. No need to mention me other than I merely helped." Aoi thought that it would be best if she took Stefani's advice.
"Kyle, hun, I did this because I wanted to."
"I don't know how much I can thank you, Aoi. You're the best girlfriend ever," Kyle happily pulled his girlfriend into a tight embrace.
"You're too precious, sweet pea. Now come on, let's get going!" Aoi hugged Kyle back.
As Kyle got ready to head back to Stefani's house, he noticed something out of his peripheral vision. A moderately tall figure stepped out of a purple Camaro. Kyle instantly knew who was approaching him. It made him want to puke just seeing him.
"Hey, good job! You resurrected the shitbox!" a boy with curly blonde hair exclaimed sarcastically while clapping his hands.
Kyle rolled his eyes, "Yeah, and where's your other car, Josh? The one you trashed."
Hearing this from Kyle made Josh pissed. He wasn't in the mood to remember how in eleventh grade he tried to hit Kyle in a parking lot. He ended up slamming his car into a pole, which totaled it.
"I'll fuck you up, redneck trash!" Josh shouted. He balled his hand up into a fist and swung at Kyle. But before he could land his hit, Aoi swiftly kicked him in the stomach. Josh fell to the ground, clutching his stomach in pain.
"Don't try that with me around, bastard," Aoi said in an angry tone while still smiling.
Josh instantly recognized Aoi. "Damn, girl. You're gonna get it soon," Josh said wincing between words. He decided to beat it. He ran off before Aoi could strike at him again.
After he was gone, Kyle looked over at Aoi, "Why did you do that?"
Aoi smiled, "Simple, because I love you."
Kyle then opened the passenger door for Aoi, "Well don't get into too much trouble for me sweetheart. Ready to get going?"
"Yep, let's head out!" Aoi replied while getting into the RX-7.
Kyle got into the driver side and closed the door. The two put their seatbelts on and Kyle started the car. Instantly, he knew it was different than before.
The steering and clutch are heavier. Plus, it's much louder than before.
Kyle shifted into first gear and headed towards the road that lead to Stefani's house. Aoi looked at Kyle out of her peripheral vision and grinned.
Don't worry, babe. You'll get used to it in due time.
"So where are we going first? Am I getting a COVID test first or are we going to Stefani's house?" Kyle asked.
"Your grandma made you an appointment to get tested, so head to the clinic first," Aoi replied.
"Alrighty, ten-four," Kyle shifted gears as he spoke.
'What does that mean?" Aoi asked, tilting her head in confusion,
"In police communication codes, ten-four means to affirm something," Kyle replied.
"Ohhh, I see. Ten-four, babe," Aoi said and smiled.
The clinic was on the same path as going to Stefani's house, so Kyle was hoping the test would be quick. But upon pulling up to the clinic, he was faced with a long line. The drive-thru where COVID testing was done had a line past the back of the building.
"Lord mercy, at this rate it'll be dark by the time we get back," Kyle muttered.
"Oh well. If you have it, then that means the rest of us will likely be getting tested tomorrow," Aoi replied.
"True, I guess we will have lots of time to kill," Kyle applied the e-brake on and shut the car off. It was clear to him they wouldn't be going anywhere for a while.
"I gotta ask, what's up with you and that guy? Why don't ya'll like each other?" Aoi looked at Kyle with an inquisitive expression.
"Long story short, he originally picked on me and pushed me around because I was the quiet kid in class. When I reciprocated by punching him in P.E class years ago, that later to him being hostile towards me. He even tried to run me over in a parkway just to show off to his girlfriend," Kyle shrugged his shoulders.
"Well he sounds like a complete douchebag honestly," Aoi shook her head.
"He is, and there is many other things that he did to me. But, I'm going to save you and I the trouble and not talk about them," Kyle replied.
"Good plan, I already want to kick him again," Aoi muttered.
"I don't blame you, but let's not get too ahead of ourselves. Let's talk about something more positive. What is everyone at the house up to?" Kyle asked.
"Well, Natsuo is looking for job to pass the time. Mimori and Chika are always helping Stefani around the house," Aoi then paused before thinking to mention her purple haired sister.
"What about Satomi? What does she enjoy doing?" Kyle looked at Aoi.
"That's the thing. I don't really know," Aoi replied as she looked down and frowned.
"What do you mean? I'm confused," Kyle looked over at his girlfriend with concern now displayed on his face.
"Back in Okinawa, we always helped dad out at the harbor. Pretty much what we did was sort fish all day. Despite that, fish are what made Satomi happy. I know she likes manga and can do radio personality. But at the same time, I don't know if she is really happy here in America," Aoi explained.
"I see. You're a very caring sister, Aoi. Anyways, do you know what all Satomi enjoys dong besides the things you listed?" Kyle asked Aoi while thinking to himself.
Before the two could think about it, the line of cars finally started to move towards the testing site at the clinic. Kyle started the car and moved forward along with the line. It didn't move for a long time by any means but the tent above the doctors and patients could be seen. Aoi and Kyle were one car behind from finally getting tested. After applying the e-brake once again, Kyle resumed the conversation that he was having with Aoi.
"So, does Satomi enjoy trying new things?" Kyle asked.
"Hmm, I'm not sure. She is after all, a girl of a few words," Aoi stroked her chin while thinking.
"Well you should ask her. Better yet, let's come up with something we can all go do. That is, if I don't have this stupid virus."
"That sounds like a good idea actually," Aoi replied to Kyle
"There ain't much around here but there's plenty of stuff to do in Atlanta or Douglasville." Kyle then proceeded to go over the list of attractions and parks near the area. The places that caught Aoi's attention the most was Six Flags. Kyle decided to ask Natsuo and the others if they wanted to go there as well. With that aside, Aoi and Kyle both agreed that Satomi would likely enjoy Six Flags. Surprisingly enough, the patient in front of the couple didn't take as long as the other patients to get tested. Kyle was now up to get tested so he pulled up to the tent where the nurse was waiting.
"Hi! Do ya'll have an appointment with us?" The nurse greeted the two with a smile.
"I'm the only one getting tested. And yes, I have an appointment," Kyle replied to the nurse while pulling out his ID.
"Great, and you got your ID right on cue!" the nurse replied while Kyle handed her his ID.
The nurse looked his ID over and gave it back to him. She then pulled out a paper on a clipboard and a pen.
"Were you close to your grandma when she had the virus?" the nurse asked.
"Yes, we didn't have masks either," Kyle replied.
"Okay. Do you have any symptoms?" the nurse asked Kyle once again as she scribbled on her paper.
"None at all, I feel fine,"
"Alright. Pull up to where the other car was a second ago and we'll get you tested," the nurse handed Kyle the paper and prepared for the next patient. Kyle then pulled where the other car was not long ago. The doctor walked out not long after with a small cylinder shaped container. Kyle rolled down his window and greeted him.
"Kyle Knox, right?" the doctor asked.
"That's me! Will you be the one testing me?" Kyle asked while looking at the cylinder shaped container in the doctor's hand.
"Indeed I will be. All I have to do is swab your nostrils and that'll be it," the doctor opened the small container and pulled out a long cotton swab.
"Oh lord, this ain't gonna be fun," Kyle moaned.
"It won't be that big of a deal. Now if you'll put your head on your headrest and face towards me, it'll be quick and painless," the doctor tried to reassure him.
Kyle did as he was told and made it so the doctor could swab his nostrils. Aoi slid her hand onto Kyle's without saying a word. Kyle held Aoi's hand because he knew this would not be a fun experience.
Once the doctor had the cotton swab in Kyle's left nostril, he began to swirl it around inside. Kyle groaned as he felt the pain build up in his nose. His head hurt. It made him want to scream. But, he knew he couldn't. Not long after the doctor started, he pulled the cotton swab out. Kyle took a deep breath. The test was finally over, or so he thought. The doctor then proceeded to stick the other end of the cotton swab into Kyle's right nostril. Kyle let out a small yelp as he wasn't expecting it. Despite feeling sorry for him, Aoi giggled to herself.
Some time later…
After what seemed like forever, the test was finally done. Kyle got his results about 15 minutes later and he was able to finally leave. Despite how his nose stung, he was still happy nonetheless. It was about 7pm and the sun had already set. As he drove towards his grandma's house to get some clothes, Aoi's phone started ringing. Seeing that Stefani's name was on the screen, she picked it up immediately.
"Hello?"
"Hey Aoi, how did Kyle's test go?"
"It went well, he tested negative."
"That's good, last thing we need is any of us getting sick." Stefani replied. Aoi could tell she was relieved.
"That is true, we are on the way to get clothes from his grandma's house so we will be home after that."
"The fact that you just called my house home makes me very happy," Stefani said softly.
"Even though I miss my dad and aunt Fuyumi, this place feels like home," Aoi replied smiling.
"Thank you sweetie. Anyways, I'll see you and Kyle soon. We're having curry for dinner."
"Sounds good. See you later, Stefani."
The call ended and Aoi turned her phone off just as Kyle pulled up to his grandma's house.
"I won't be long, you can wait here if you'd like.," Kyle said to Aoi as he shut his car off and got out.
Aoi nodded to Kyle then he went inside. As Kyle entered his grandma's house, he walked slowly through the living room. The house was quiet from Maria's absence. The usual sounds of her cooking were now replaced with dead silence. Combined with knowing she was sick, the house gave off a very sad aura. Kyle reached his room and grabbed his duffel bag and threw in some clothes and the rest of his stuff that he needed. After he made sure he grabbed everything he needed, Kyle decided to leave the house before his emotions could get to him. Getting back into his car, there wasn't much word between the two as they headed back to Stefani's house.
Once they arrived, Kyle parked beside Stefani's car and cut it off.
"Need any help getting your stuff into the house?" Aoi asked as she walked over to Kyle.
"I'm good, I'll be inside in a second. Thank you though," Kyle smiled at Aoi. She went inside and Kyle decided to unload his luggage. But after he got his luggage out of the trunk, he had the urge for other things before he could go inside. He had to know what replaced the old engine of his car. After opening the door and pulling the hood release, Kyle walked over to the front of his car. Propping the hood up with the rod, Kyle finally had his answer. He examined the new engine from the longer intake manifold to the shiny new radiator. He also noticed that the power steering pump was gone.
"So that's why the steering is so heavy," he thought. Kyle closed the hood of his car and went inside. As he walked in, the smell of curry and the girls greeted him.
"Welcome back!" they all said in harmony.
"Thanks, everyone," Kyle replied while putting his bag on the sofa. He was starving so he joined everyone else at the dinner table. Stefani had already made him a plate so he proceeded to dig in with the others.
"Your curry is so delicious, where did you learn to make it?" Natsuo asked.
"It's a family recipe that my grandmother originally came up with!" Stefani pointed at a book on the counter.
"Wow, she must have been an amazing cook! I wish I had that kind of talent," Natsuo said with a wry smile.
"It just takes practice, hun," Stefani smiled at Natsuo.
Natsuo didn't know what to say so an awkward "I guess so," escaped her lips.
Meanwhile after everyone had finished eating, Kyle volunteered to help Stefani with the dishes. During this time, the girls decided to take their showers before they all headed off to bed for the night. There were two bathrooms in Stefani's house so Satomi and Chika went first. Aoi, Natsuo, and Mimori went and got the beds set for the evening.
After the dishes were cleaned and loaded in the washer, Kyle decided to go lay down on the couch upstairs. He was still troubled trying to figure out why Satomi was sad. He wanted to get a shower. But with all the girls waiting, he decided to let them go first. As he was lying down on the couch, he couldn't help but to slowly drift off to sleep. And before he knew it, he was out like a light bulb.
2 hours later…
Aoi was the last to take a shower so it was around 10PM when she finally got out. Her hair was still moist from the shower and she had put her pajamas on. They were bright yellow and almost matched her hair. She saw that all the lights were off upstairs and Kyle was fast asleep on the couch.
"Good night sugar toast," Aoi whispered and pecked Kyle's lips while stroking his hair for a bit. She smiled, then got onto the couch across from him quietly and pulled the covers over her. The two shared the same thought as they slept: Satomi.