Hello! I'm back with chapter 2. Truth be told, I'm really busy right now, but I can't seem to get this story out of my head. It's like I need to let it out. LOL. Anyway, hope you enjoy this one! Don't forget to review!

Disclaimer: I don't own La Corda D'Oro

"You think we should wake him up, Grandma?"

"Let's let him sleep. I think he's had a rough day."

"But he hasn't eaten yet," Aki pouted and went to her father's side, ready to wake him up.

Misa quickly but gently took her granddaughter's arm. "Sweetie, let your father sleep. I don't think he's in the mood to eat dinner either."

Reluctantly, Aki nodded and let her grandmother pull her towards the door. Len barely felt the blanket being pulled up to his chest. He hardly even felt his daughter's chaste kiss on his cheek before whispering: "Good night, daddy. Sweet dreams!"

With that, his mother and daughter closed the bedroom door.

"What do you mean she already left for school?"

Len watched his mother stack the plates in the dishwasher. He was standing at the doorway, his hair still dripping wet from his shower while a towel was draped around his neck. He woke up to the sound of a car driving off. Groggily checking the time on the clock at the bedside table, he cursed under his breath and rushed to the bathroom. He'd promised Aki that he'd take her to school that day. It was, after all, her first day back in school. But then he'd found out that his mother had already instructed the driver to bring her.

"You were still asleep. We didn't want to wake you," came Misa's reply.

"But I promised her, mother. I never break my promises, let alone to my own daughter," Len said as he moved to sit on one of the chairs in the dining room. He sighed, running his hand through his cerulean hair.

"You're stressing yourself too much, Len. It's just one day. You can take her tomorrow. I'm sure he understands," Misa said as she took a seat across from him. They were silent for a moment. Misa took this time to observe her son.

"Are you alright? Has work been bothering you?" she asked.

"Work's fine. I've just been… preoccupied with other stuff," Len replied. He already had an idea where this conversation was going, and he didn't want to talk about it. He stood up, only to be stopped by the look on his mother's face.

"Sit, boy. I don't believe I've finished talking to you yet," Misa said sternly. Once Len sat again, she brought her hands to the table and placed one over the other. "Something's bothering you."

"Mother, it's fine. Maybe I am a bit stressed out with work-"

"Don't underestimate me, Len. A mother knows when her son's troubled. And once she does, she wants to help him in any way possible. Tell me what's been on your mind."

Len gave up. There was no escape. "I recently had a dream, about that night."

Ahh. "Alright, go on."

"I miss her, mom." Len was suddenly overcome by grief and placed is head in his hands. "Sometimes I don't know if I'm doing the right thing for Aki. I mean, she's all I have left, and I'd do anything for her. But sometimes I doubt myself, if I'm being a good father. I just wish she was here. She'd know what to do. She was always the better parent."

Misa reached out, placed a hand over his. "We all know she was a wonderful mother. And don't think you haven't done your job as a father. You're an exceptional father, Len. I know you're doing your best. Though there's no such thing as perfect parents, Aki is blessed to have you both as hers."

He looked up and saw his mother, a gentle smile plastered on her face. He gave back a small smile of his own. "And I'm lucky to have you as mine. Thank you, mother."

Aki was excited for her next subject. Though she never liked to brag, she knew how to play some instruments. Music, as told by her grandmother, had always run in their family. Her grandfather was a virtuoso, her grandmother was a pianist, her father was a professional violinist, and her mother…

She shook her head. She didn't want to remember her mommy now. She's just end up feeling sad, and she didn't want that to spoil her first day back in school. Besides, she was sure her mommy was watching from heaven. That's what daddy always told her.

She hurried to her seat and took out a piece of paper from her bag. Before she could even start drawing, she heard her classmates rush back into the classroom and take their seats. The teacher was here! Aki shoved the paper back in her bag, eager to meet her new Music teacher.

As she walked into the classroom, the children fell silent.

"Good morning, class. My name is Hino Kahoko, and I'm going to be your new Music teacher."

Aki's eyes widened. She looked so familiar. The red hair that was once until her back was now all the way until above her waist. Her eyes reflected cheerfulness and eagerness to teach. And her smile… she knew that smile.

"Mommy?"

Ah, well. There we go. Obviously I'm not one for long chapters. Maybe if I actually have the time I'll make it longer. But anyway... Kaho's not dead! Woopee! Stay tuned for the next chapter! And don't forget to review. ^_^