Seira's confession
Mr. Mita looked up at the sound of knocking at his door. A uniformed policeman was standing there. "Good Morning sir." He said entering the room. "I'm here to take the suspect into custody."
"Of course. He's been awaiting your arrival." Mita said standing. Looking at a dejected Kosuke, he added, "Please stand up. It's time for you to leave."
"Yes sir." He said rising to his feet. "Promise you'll tell them? Please don't take my warning lightly. Akira doesn't fool around!"
"What is he talking about?" The officer asked laying a hand on Kosuke's left shoulder. "Is he threatening you?"
"NO! I'm not the one they need to worry about!" He said turning to face the officer. "You know who Akira Motokai is, don't you? You tell him. That girl is in terrible danger."
At Akira's name, the officer paled. "What does that brute have to do with this? He wasn't in the suspect descriptions we were given last night. He'd be hard to miss."
"The girl embarrassed Toru, so he's talked Akira into getting his revenge. Mr. Mita, I've seen him take down experienced fighters twice that girls size without breaking a sweat."
"Let's get down to the station and you can tell us everything you know. If you roll over on your friends, maybe we can work a deal." The officer said leading him out of the room.
"I don't care about what happens to me anymore. I screwed up, and should pay. I just don't want any more bad things to happen to those girls."
Kanako watched from another doorway as he was led down the hall. Kosuke spotted her and called out. "Tell your friends I'm sorry! I never wanted to hurt them like that! They didn't deserve what we did to them!"
"No they didn't." Kanako said softly, watching with satisfaction as he exited the building. Running to the window, she watched as he was placed in the car and then driven away.
"This has been the worst day of my life." Kosuke said looking back at the school.
"You don't seem to be such a bad guy." The policeman said looking in the rearview mirror. "It sounds like you just got in over your head."
"And no lifeline in sight." He said leaning back and closing his eyes.
"What's this?" The officer said sounding wary.
Kosuke looked out through the windshield, only to see a garbage truck parked across the driveway, with the cab tilted forward, apparently broken down. A worker in overalls was bent over inside the engine compartment.
"Sit tight." The officer said, "Let me see if I can offer him some help." Stopping the car, he got out, and approached the truck. "What seems to be the problem? You're illegally parked, you need to move."
The figure turned, wearing his dust mask. He said. "I don't know what's wrong. I was doing my route, when the engine just died. I called for maintenance, and they should be here in fifteen minutes or so."
"I can't wait that long." The officer said removing his hat. "Let me take a look. I'm pretty good with vehicles." He brushed past the man and leaned over. "Oh! I see the problem! The ground wire from the battery has come loose."
Kosuke, not able to hear what was being said, watched the exchange through the windshield. He was horrified as the man took a large wrench out of his pocket, and struck the officer on the back of the head, knocking him unconscious. The man then turned toward the car and removed the mask. "Koji!" Panicking, Kosuke desperately tried to open the door, but the inside handles were disconnected. Looking up, he saw Toru and his crew had surrounded the car. They all wore somber expressions as Toru opened the door.
"Get out Kosuke." He growled.
Realizing he had nowhere to go, Kosuke complied and slid across the seat. Rough hands grabbed him and dragged him to a van that was parked further up the street. Shoving him into the back row between two others, the rest of the crew climbed in, and they sped away.
Kanako watched all this from her window, not believing what she saw. She realized she'd been holding her breath since she saw the officer struck, and let it out in a rush. "FATHER!" She yelled, running from the room.
-
Corey watched as Izumi wolfed down her breakfast. "Hey Izumi, take a breath once in a while. I don't want you passing out."
"I'm late." She said lifting the bowl of misoshiru to her lips and draining it. "I thought I'd given myself enough time, but girl talk got me behind schedule."
"Hey, Izumi, has Seira said anything about how she feels about me?" He said looking down, poking at his rice. "I don't know what to make of her. She tells me she's scared, but then the physical signals I get from her tell me she wants to get closer."
"She told us you tried to kiss her last night." She said holding a bite of rice in front of her mouth. "I don't think I should be the one you should be asking. For all her bravado, Seira's really a sensitive girl. Last night, she showed me a side of her I didn't think existed. She'll tell you eventually, just don't push her."
Corey made a sad sigh and said. "I would never make her do something she wasn't comfortable with. That's why I was in such a rush to get out of the room this morning. I don't want to give her any more reasons to hate me."
"She doesn't hate you Corey. Don't believe that for a second. She's had some issues she's been dealing with lately, and your relationship is treading on those same grounds. I think you two need to talk. Tell her what you want from her. Reassure her, and don't let her walk away before she comes clean with what's bothering her." Izumi gulped down the rest of her breakfast, and then carried her dishes to the sink.
Ms. Himuro walked into the room, and took a seat at the table. "Izumi, I let Seira borrow an outfit. I didn't think you would mind."
"That's fine. What did you give her?" She said looking over her shoulder from the sink.
"That denim skirt and jacket you bought recently. You never wear them, and I think they will suit Seira quite well." She said pouring herself some tea.
"The denim outfit?" Izumi said smiling, "Why am I not surprised? Was that the one she chose?"
"Is there a problem? You've owned it for over a month, and only wore the jacket once." She said before offering thanks for her meal.
"No, it's fine, I bought them on a whim after that meeting about Amy coming in case we went somewhere together. The skirt's too long anyway; it rubs the back of my legs. I bet it'll fit Seira perfectly."
Corey cleared his throat, "Ms. Himuro may I ask you something?"
"Certainly Corey, what's on your mind?" She said taking a bite of her rice.
"I've been thinking about the girls being attacked last night. Tokyo is becoming a more violent city, so I think instances like this are going to become more common. If Izumi and Yuki had had knowledge of self-defense techniques, they could have helped fight off their attackers. Is there a possibility of Kisuragi Girls' incorporating instruction in that area? I know this strays from the cultured young lady image the school likes to promote, but you already have judo and kendo clubs in place, so it's not that unprecedented."
"I wouldn't mind." Izumi said, walking back to the table. "This isn't the first time someone has approached me like this."
"What do you mean Izumi?" Ms. Himuro said with concern. "You were assaulted before? Why didn't you tell me?"
"It was last summer, on the night the Takasugi Group hosted the opera. Hiroki and I were assaulted in the parking lot. He was able to hold them off until security arrived. Then he made me promise not to tell anyone because he didn't want to get in trouble for fighting."
"I think the school board would have taken the circumstances into consideration." Ms. Himuro said looking concerned. "The fact you were attacked, and he needed to defend you left him with little choice. Corey, let me think on this. It has merit, but I'm thinking I'll be facing some stiff opposition from the Parent's Association."
The phone rang, interrupting their conversation. Seira walked into the room as Izumi answered. "Good morning, Himuro residence… Good morning Principal Mita… Yes, she's here. One moment please." She walked to the table, and handed the phonee to her mother.
"Yes, Mita, How can I help you?" She said leaning back in her chair.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your breakfast Ms. Himuro, but we've had some disturbing events happen here this morning, and I feel we should suspend classes for today."
Hearing this, she sat up giving her whole attention to the call. "What's happened Mita? Is another student involved?"
"This morning I encountered one of the men who attacked your daughter last night. He was waiting on the steps when I arrived. He was remorseful about what they'd done and had wanted to apologize. He also told me that the violence last night was aimed at Miss Watson with the intent of preventing her from playing, and warned it wasn't over yet. I detained him for the police, but as he was being taken away, the rest of the group attacked the policeman and abducted the young man."
"This happened on the school grounds?" She said, her face reddening. "Why didn't security intervene, and how did they let him on the grounds in the first place?"
"He wasn't making a scene, just sitting quietly. They were observing him. The attack happened just outside the gate. They blocked the driveway pretending to be disabled, and then attacked the officer when he offered assistance. Kanako witnessed it all, and she's beside herself. The police have cordoned off the entrance, and the press is already arriving." He said grimly.
"If that is the case, I agree it would be best to suspend classes for the day. Have the faculty try to intercept as many of the students as they can before they reach the campus. Contact the school board. This needs to be discussed. I will be there in twenty minutes." She said hanging up the phone. "I'm sorry, I need to get to the school right away. Corey, you'll need to find other transportation for Amy. Izumi, please assist them as best you can." Dialing the phone, she held it to her ear and waited. "Mr. Yamagida. I need you here in five minutes… Thank you." Rising, she hung up the phone, and turned back to face the worried teens.
"What's happened, mother?" Izumi said walking up to her. "Did someone get hurt?"
"One of the men who attacked you three last night was waiting at the school when Mr. Mita arrived." Her face became reflective "He wanted to apologize, and to warn us that more violence is ahead. Corey, be very careful taking Amy to the hospital. It would seem that this was a coordinated attack aimed specifically at her. The police took him into custody, but the officer was attacked, and the man taken."
"They assaulted a policeman?" Corey asked stunned. "They're either extremely confident or extremely foolish. The whole Tokyo Metro Police Department will be up in arms to find these guys."
"My impression of them would make me think the latter is true." Izumi said sitting down at the table again. "Why would they target Amy? Hardly anyone knows she's going to be playing. Mother, I think we should have another male presence here, I'd like to call Hiroki."
"You don't need him Izumi." Seira said leaning against the counter. "Corey and I are capable of taking care of them. If Amy could hold them off by herself, then the two of us should be able to handle them no problem. Um, you do know how to fight, right Corey?"
"I learned a few things here and there." He said smiling weakly. "It's not my favorite thing to do, but if it comes down to protecting someone I care about, I will."
"I believe you'll be safe enough here Izumi." Ms. Himuro said before wiping her mouth. "A delicious meal dear, thank you for preparing it."
The phone rang again, and Izumi answered. "Hello, Himuro residence. Oh, good morning Hiroki, I was just thinking of calling you."
"What's going on Izumi?" He said talking on his cell phone. Ryo was standing next to him, along with the rest of the baseball team. "The schools closed, and all the students are being turned away. Is this because of what happened last night?"
"Indirectly." She replied. "Are you still near the school? Why don't you come here, and we'll bring you up to speed."
"Sure." He said looking around. "I have a group of really cute baseball players standing around me, should I bring them as well?"
"That would be even better. They might be concerned for Amy and me after last night, and I'd like to show them we're all right. See you in a little bit." She hung up the phone and turned back to the room. "Hiroki and the team are on the way over. They should be here in twenty minutes or so. Well, if I don't have school, there's no sense keeping this garish uniform on."
"Izumi, I helped pick out that uniform." Ms. Himuro said ominously.
"It's the bow mother." She said meeting her mother's gaze. "The summer uniform is quite becoming, but this one always makes me feel like I should be stepping into the center ring with my face painted, wearing a rubber nose. I can see why you never wear yours Seira. Maybe I'll start following your example. Be careful at school mother." With that, she walked out of the room.
Seira sat down quickly, trying to make herself as small as possible under Ms. Himuro's accusing stare. "I need to get going. Seira, try not to do anything to influence Izumi any more than you already have."
"I don't know where that came from Ms. Himuro. Up until two days ago, she hated my guts. I'm not sure how things changed so quickly." She said meekly.
"You two stopped bitching at each other, and became friends." Corey said succinctly, taking a sip of tea. "I know; I was there."
"You're right, that trip home from the airport broke through a lot of anger and resentment. I never thought I'd be invited to spend the night here. Izumi was always looking so hard down her nose at me, I wanted to break it." She said softly looking down at her plate. "Ms. Himuro thank you for letting me come here. Not just for last night, but to school, and to be on the baseball team. I've never really thanked you for giving me a chance, even when I'd given up on myself."
Ms Himuro crossed the room and sat down next to Seira, who looked up confused and a little afraid. She reached out and gently cupped Seira's face. "Outside of Izumi's determination, and maybe Ryo's cheerful optimism, I admire your strength of character the most Seira. You were a driving force on that fledgling team, pushing the others when they were ready to give in. You were always ready to jump in and defend the others when Izumi became troublesome. You refused to let my dream die. I can't imagine this team without you. That's why I supported you so strongly when they wanted to expel you. You have faced adversity with resolve and decorum, at least until you broke Miss Ayanakoji's nose. I'm not criticizing you. A lesser person would have responded much sooner than you did. You endured the scorn and derisiveness of your classmates for nearly a year before succumbing. That only proves you are human Seira. People make mistakes; that's how we mature and grow. Have faith in yourself dear. I think you have a grand future." Then she reached out and gave Seira a warm embrace, holding her for a few moments. She felt a tremor run through Seira's body, and pulling away, saw tears in her eyes. "Oh my, this isn't the response I had hoped for."
"I'm…ok." Seira said wiping her eyes. "Thank you. I never knew so many people outside the team really cared about me. To think the chairperson held me in her arms so affectionately. I guess I have something to tell Sora the next time I see her. Don't worry Ms. Himuro; from now on I won't do anything to embarrass you or the team."
"Don't lose sleep worrying about it dear." She said standing and walking towards the doorway when Mr. Yamagida appeared. "I'll see you both later. Corey, I hate to put this on your shoulders, but as the oldest here, I'm holding you responsible if anything happens."
"Yes ma'am, I'll make sure everyone is on their best behavior. I'm going to call my mother and ask if my grandfather can come get Amy. Do you want me to call you at school with what we find out?" He said standing as she was leaving.
"Leave a message with Mr. Yamagida if I'm still tied up in meetings. Please excuse me." Mr. Yamagida bowed as she passed, and then followed her out of the room.
Sitting down, he picked up his teacup and drained its contents. Looking into his empty cup he said, "This whole thing's getting out of hand. I hope the police can find these guys before anyone else gets hurt."
-
Yuki watched as the nurse raised the head of her bed. She had slept better after the pain medication had kicked in, and felt more rested. It was eight o'clock in the morning, and the nurse had brought breakfast. Although Yuki wasn't very hungry, the nurse was insisting she eat.
"There we go, Yuki." She said as she let go of the button. Swinging a table over her lap, she removed the cover from the platter revealing rice, misoshiru, and some boiled spinach seasoned with soy sauce. "A traditional breakfast. I know you don't have much of an appetite yet, but try to eat something. Your body can't get better if you don't give it something to work with."
"Yes ma'am. I'll try. Um, nurse, did my parents ever show up?" She asked looking down at the table.
"Yes, they came up to see you last night, but you were sleeping. They left to get a hotel room for the night, and said they would be back this morning. Visiting hours start at nine. So I imagine they'll be here shortly after then. I was told quite a few people were asking about you last night. You must have some good friends."
"Yes ma'am, some of them were my teammates. We play baseball together for Kisuragi Girls' High." She said proudly. "Did they come up too?"
"I'm sorry, but your parents were the only ones I saw. Finish your breakfast Yuki, you start therapy this morning at eight-thirty."
"Therapy? Already? Isn't this a little soon? It's barely twelve hours since I was hurt. I know an injury needs some time to heal." She said worriedly.
"It's just some gentle stretches to keep your muscles limber. It will help you maintain muscle tone as well. Relax, Yuki. This is normal procedure. Mr. Yamato is very skilled at his job. He has been doing this for nearly five years since he graduated, and has had good success. That reminds me, we need to get you some clothes. I don't think either of you would be comfortable if you're just in a gown. I'll be back shortly."
Yuki called after her. "Nurse, what happened to my clothes from last night? I borrowed them from a friend and I like her to get them back."
"I'm sorry Yuki, but to avoid aggravating your injury, your clothes were cut off. They're in the trash. Don't worry, we have something that will fit." Then she walked quickly through the door.
Yuki felt her stomach sink. Izumi's clothes were gone! "That was probably the most expensive outfit I've ever worn!" She said miserably. "How will I replace them? I can't afford to shop at those fancy boutiques Izumi goes to. She trusted me to take care of it, and I let it get ruined." She felt any appetite she had disappear. She sullenly poked at her food, before forcing herself to take a bite of the spinach. She grimaced. "It tastes like low sodium soy sauce in here. I bet the rest tastes just as healthy. I hate this; I want to go home. Guys, hurry and come get me out of here."
"I'm afraid that may not happen for a little while, Miss Azuma." A voice said from the doorway. The doctor walked into the room, and stood by Yuki's bed. "Good morning, I'm Doctor Kanazaki. I'm the neurosurgeon assigned to your case. I went off duty at eight, but I wanted to see you before I left for the day."
Yuki made a slight bow saying, "Good morning Doctor, and thank you for taking care of me. I know this is rude to ask, but I'd like to know. Do you think I'll ever walk again?"
"It's not rude to ask that. I'd be surprised if you hadn't. The truth is Yuki, we think you could have movement back by as early as tonight, but until it actually happens, we're being practical. The trauma you received was in an area that is particularly vulnerable to spinal concussion. We think that once everything has time to calm down, you'll get the use of your legs back. If we're right, you could be playing with your teammates in as little as twelve weeks when your fractured spine has healed completely. Now if I can interrupt your breakfast, I'd like to evaluate your condition."
"That's fine." She said pushing the table away. 'You're actually not interrupting me, more like saving me from it."
The doctor chuckled as he pulled the covers back. Yuki was a little nervous as he picked up her foot, and lightly ran his finger up the outside of her leg. "Can you feel this, Miss Azuma?"
"Barely, it feels more like a soft breeze blowing across it than someone touching it." She said bighting her lip.
"Let's try this side." He said as he ran his finger up the inside of her leg.
Yuki shivered at the sensation. "That tickled!"
"Good. That's promising. Now let's try the other leg." He repeated the test, obtaining similar results. "I find this very encouraging, Miss Azuma, you have greater sensation than I'd anticipated. We'll repeat this when I come in this evening at eight. I hope to see some reflex motion from you by then. This is very good. I'll leave you now. Please continue with your breakfast." He said swinging the table back. "I know it's not the most flavorful, but it will provide your body with what it needs. Now eat it all. I'll tell the nurse not to take the platter until everything's gone."
"Yes Doctor," Yuki said beaming at him. "Thank you Doctor. I'll eat everything. I'm suddenly very hungry. I need to keep my strength up so I can play at Koshien!"
-
"Hey Corey?" Seira asked looking down at her plate. "Do you think Izumi's prettier than I am?"
"Uh, where'd this come from?" He said looking surprised, and a little nervous. "Do you think I'm paying too much attention to her? She is our host, and good manners require you to interact with your host."
"I was just wondering if you think she's better looking than me." Seira said, a little upset with his answer. "Do you think you could fall for her? She has more going for her than just a pretty face. She's smarter than I am, she has more charm, and she's more sophisticated. She's everything a doctor's wife should be."
"Seira, stop it. Ms. Himuro just got done singing your praises, and the minute she walks out the door, you start doubting yourself again? Of course Izumi has learned the social graces better, that's the world she grew up in. Do you know what Seira? I can't stand social gatherings. I went to one with mom and dad when he was being interviewed for a sports casting job. The people were all good manners, charm, and nice words, but the minute you left, they talked you down to the next person they were trying to charm. I'm a simple man Seira. I don't plan on being chief of surgery somewhere. I just want to make a difference. Help someone in need maybe get his or her life back. I need someone with me who shares those simple wants. Izumi is too accustomed to the good things to ever be happy living a life like that, and I wouldn't be comfortable sitting through the next opera she wants to attend. I'm normally uncomfortable around girls. I'm always afraid I'll say something stupid and they'll make fun of me. From the minute Amy and I arrived, you and the rest of the girls on the baseball team have treated me well, and I don't doubt they would all make wonderful girlfriends, but to me they're just girls. I don't feel that way about you Seira. I'm in love with you. I love your independent streak, and the fact you won't back down from trouble. We've shared a similar past. We just fit together. I don't know how to say it any clearer. I mistrusted you in the past, and I'm sorry. I now know that no matter what, you wont try to hurt me. I know you have some things your working out in your life, and that's why you're afraid. I've found a good thing in you Seira, and I'm not giving up. I'm willing to wait until you can love me back, even if it takes years."
Seira sat there, unable to speak, staring. Slowly she rose from her seat, and walked around the table to him. Looking into his eyes, she saw warmth, gentleness, and sincerity. Reaching out, she took his face in her hands, and rested her forehead against his. "Corey, you are amazing. You make me crazy thinking about you. I need you more than I want to admit. If you were from Japan, I wouldn't have hesitated for a second."
Corey's face became cold. "Is that what this is about? You can't love me because I'm not Japanese?" He shook loose from her grasp, stood and walked over to face the counter, "I was right! You're hung up on social status! What a fool I am!"
Seira followed and ducking in front of him, said angrily. "You are not a fool. I care for you Corey; you're a terrific guy. That's not what I meant. God, do you always jump to conclusions like this? All I meant was that if you lived in Japan, I wouldn't have any worries about this. Even if you lived in Hiroshima, I could get to you in a day by train."
Looking contrite, he said. "I'm sorry. I made an ass out of myself again. I guess your not the only one who's feeling insecure about themselves. You know, Chicago is only thirteen hours away by plane."
"I'm sixteen Corey, no part time job would earn me the money for airfare. What did your ticket cost you to come here? Can you afford throwing that kind of money around? Don't act like this would be easy Corey, because I can't think of anything harder than having the one you love live twelve thousand kilometers away."
"I never said it would be easy!" He said spinning away. Pacing in front of her, he continued." I know this is a challenge Seira, but if I didn't think you could handle it, I never would have said anything. I would have gone home, never letting you know. You could have lived you life unaware of how I feel. Only I would be miserable every time I visited Amy, because seeing your face would remind me of what I let slip away." Sighing, he stopped and leaned against the counter next to her. "Is that what you want me to do Seira? Should I go home, never knowing what it's like to kiss you, or to hold you passionately? I want to do both, very much." Stepping away from the counter, he said. "I need to call my mom so she can come get Amy."
"Corey, don't feel like that. I could never let you do that now. I care for you too deeply to dismiss you so easily. You've wormed your way into my heart, and I'll miss you when you leave." She said following him, and laying a hand on his back. "You know I've been dealing with anger issues, right? Well part of what caused it was my mother leaving me." She moved around to face him, looking resolutely into his eyes. "She fought with my dad a lot before they divorced, and in one of their fights, I heard her say that she had never wanted me."
"Seira, I…" He began, compassion in his voice.
"No, don't say anything yet." She said putting her finger against his lips. Smiling sadly up at him she continued. "She left about the time I joined the baseball team. I hated being in the same house with those two. I'd already been running the streets for over half a year before the coach recruited me. I couldn't stand the hole their fighting left in my heart. I didn't want anyone to know how much I was hurting, so I became the super bitch with the hair trigger. As much as the guys on the team tried, they couldn't replace what I'd lost. They made me feel better sometimes, but I still didn't feel loved. My mother, the one person in the world who should love me more than anyone, didn't want me. I felt like something about me was tainted and ugly, that's what kept her from loving me. My therapist told me I wasn't to blame, that my mother just didn't want to be a mother. He had me write her a letter, telling her off, and you know what? It worked. It felt so good giving her a piece of my mind. I was too afraid to do it when my parents were still together. My mom can be a very scary person when she's mad, and I probably wouldn't have reached her at that point. Now that she's had time to calm down and restart her career, I'm hoping that we can at least be friends. That's why I haven't been able to tell you how I feel Corey, I'm afraid you're leaving in two days is going to make me feel that way all over again."
"Seira, this isn't like your mom. She left because she wanted to. I'm leaving because I have to. If you can't understand the difference, then I've been wasting my time." Walking around her he added. "Please excuse me. I need to make that phone call."
Seira quickly moved to stop him. "Corey! Stop!" Standing in front of him she held her arms out, blocking his path. "Don't walk away from me. We're not finished. I still have something to say." Her face softened as she approached him. Laying her hand on his chest, she continued, "You've been so kind and patient with me, and I've taken advantage of that. You deserve an answer, and I think I can finally give you one. If I didn't have school, I'd be buying a ticket to America and going back with you, but I don't want to abandon the team. They mean too much to me." She gently pushed him back to the counter. "You surprised me last night when you tried to kiss me. I didn't expect you to move so fast. I ran then, but I think I'm ready now." Her gaze never leaving his eyes, she took a calming breath and said, "I love you Corey Watson. Thank you for waiting for me to realize that." Then she reached up and taking hold of the back of his head, drew him down to her. The kiss was tentative at first, their lips searching for the proper mesh. Then it became something deeper, harder, and more desperate as if a floodgate had been opened, desire rushing in to fill an emptiness eating at their souls. Letting themselves become lost in the sensation, their lips ground hungrily against each other. Their jaws worked as their tongues danced in each other's mouths. Seira ran her hands over Corey's back, feeling his muscles through the shirt. Corey caressed Seira's behind, rejoicing in its firmness. They continued like this for quite a while, leaning against the counter for support, making small moans and sighs, their hands constantly moving, touching, until unable to bear the intensity of the embrace any longer, they parted. Breathing heavily, Seira leaned against Corey, laying her head on his chest. Corey wrapped his arms around her waist, and resting his chin on her head, breathed in the scent of her hair. They stayed like that, just holding each other, for several minutes before Seira spoke. "That was incredible." She said warmly, "You're a hell of kisser Corey. If we were somewhere other than the kitchen of Izumi's house, with the team arriving at any time, I wouldn't mind doing that some more."
"There'll be another time, but lets not get too carried away, otherwise I might be tempted to do something I'd regret later. I've dreamed about this since I saw you in that dress. You've made me very happy this morning." He said kissing the top of her head. He made his way back to the table, pulling her along by the hand, saying. "I have to sit down. You made my knees weak."
She grinned as she stood next to him running her hand through his spiky hair, "Do you think I could sit on you lap? I've been wanting to since Izumi gave it such a good review." Corey nodded, and Seira climbed on, leaning against him. "Ooh, a perfect fit. I think I could get to like this." Corey, wrapping his arms around her, smiled warmly as Seira, returning his embrace, continued. "Can we just stay like this until the others show up?"
"Sounds good to me." He said holding her tenderly.
"Do you really think we could make this work?" She said looking into his eyes.
"I'm willing to try. We can't guess what the future holds. I only know that at this moment in time, I can't think of anyone I'd want more as a girlfriend. Look, I'm going home for graduation. Then I'll have until the end of August before I start college. I'll come back, spend the summer, and we can get to know each other better."
She smiled as she lay against him, comforted by his words and embrace.
-
Amy finished drying herself off, gently dabbing the area of her injury. "God I was stupid." She muttered to herself. "I just reacted. Sensei would be disappointed." She shivered, her arms and legs in goose bumps. Looking at the doorway, she called out "Seira. Are you back yet? I need you to bring my clothes."
Izumi walked in carrying the bundle of clothes. She had changed into a pair of slacks and a knit top. "Seira's still eating, can I help?"
"Izumi! Of course you can help, but why aren't you gone to school?"
"There was an incident at school, and they suspended classes." She said taking Amy's arm. Pulling her to her feet, they moved to a bench along the wall. "How's the knee?"
"It's loosened up a little, but I still can't put any weight on it." She said sitting down. "What do you mean an incident? Did someone get hurt?"
"Not a student. Look it's a long story, so let's wait. The team is coming over, and we need to tell them too. Just get your clothes on before you catch a cold." Watching her dress, Izumi was struck by how long her legs were. She imagined Amy dressed in a formal gown, and smiled. She would turn quite a few heads. When she finished dressing, Izumi helped her back into the bedroom, and sat her on the couch. Amy was amazed; Izumi had already tidied up all signs of their sleepover.
"Wow, you don't fool around when it comes to cleaning. My room never looks this neat, even when I try." She said putting her leg up. "Did your mom have to leave because of what happened?"
"Yes, and she's called a meeting of the school board. I think this incident will shake the unshakeable walls of Kisuragi. Corey thinks we should be taught self defense, and I believe my mother now agrees with him." Izumi said putting a pillow under Amy's knee.
"Thank you.' She said adjusting to a more comfortable position. "Tell Corey I enjoyed the omelet. I didn't get to thank him before Seira chased him out of the room."
"Don't remind me," Izumi said holding her back. "I think I know what it feels like to be one of those 'wide receiver' people Corey was telling us about."
"He did hurt you. Why didn't you tell us Izumi?" Amy asked looking worriedly at her.
"I'll be a little sore for a couple days, but it's nothing serious. You should have seen me when I trained for a showdown with Hayakawa. A day and a half in a batting cage getting pelted by 130 kph fastballs left me with more bruised skin than not. Seira said I looked like someone had worked me over with a bat. I was so exhausted, and my body so battered, I could barely stand. If Hiroki hadn't coached me those last six hours, I would have forfeited, but I was determined to beat Ryo."
"You said before you despised Ryo at first. How come? She's such a sweet girl. She couldn't have done anything to hurt you, or did she?"
Izumi sat down on the table next to Amy. "No. Ryo was so confused by my hatred of her. She couldn't figure out why I despised her like I did. She can be a little clueless at times, and she didn't notice the way Hiroki looked at her. I did. The first time I saw them together, I knew she was a threat to my relationship with him. Then I found a picture of her father in my mother's locket, and became jealous of her. All I knew was I wanted her out of my life. If she were gone, everything would go back to the way it was. The coach came up with the challenge. If I won, Ryo would have to leave the school, and the team would be dissolved. If Ryo won, I would join the baseball team. I reached first base, but Hiroki told me Ryo had thrown the last pitch so I could hit it. You're a pitcher, why did she do it? After all this time she still won't admit it."
"I don't know. I really don't know Ryo all that well. We haven't even really talked. We visited at the parties, but I couldn't second-guess what motivates her. She seems to be very compassionate towards other people. Maybe, seeing you as battered as you were, she felt sorry for you."
"But the fate of the whole team was riding on this, seven other girls besides her. She wouldn't throw it all away because of that, would she?" Izumi said, and then became quiet.
Amy watched as the wheels turned in Izumi's mind. "Does it really matter Izumi? That was last year. The new season's coming, and you're going to need to whip us lazy freshmen into shape. Oh, that reminds me. We toured the locker room with the coach. How did you guys use that dinky shower? There's hardly room to turn around in there."
"We drew up a lottery and took turns. We had to cut our morning practices short to get done before classes." Izumi said smiling. "Mao had the worst time of it, she barely had room to lather up."
"It's going to be worse this year with an additional six to eight players. Do you know how much it would cost to renovate the shower room?"
"The school got bids last year, and the lowest was ten million four hundred thousand. Even the Himuro Group would think twice about spending that much."
Amy whistled, "I never imagined it would cost that much. I would have thought no more than one or two million. There's no way we could raise that kind of money by the beginning of school."
"That was for a whole new locker room and shower." Izumi said, her mind working, "If we just did the showers, expanding out the back, and offered our labor, we might get by at five million."
"Would they let teenage girls on a construction site? I can imagine what the Parent's Association would say about that." Amy said shaking her head.
"No, they wouldn't. You're right." Izumi said meeting Amy's gaze. "What I was thinking was having the expansion of the building done, and doing the inside stuff ourselves. Hiroki is pretty handy, I'm sure we could get his help."
"Corey helped renovate our parents bath last summer, so he could help after he graduates, if we can afford airfare for him. Izumi; am I doing the right thing, coming to school so far from home. I won't see my mom for nearly six months at a time."
"Amy, you'll be fine. Yoko is here from Okinawa, that's two thousand km southwest of here. She can't run home for a weekend when she wants to either. Look, you may not have your mom, but you'll have ten new sisters who care about you, so don't worry."
You're right Izumi. Hey, what do you think Seira and Corey are up to? She's been gone a long time. She has to be done with breakfast by now."
"Should we go see? We need to get out there for when the team arrives. We'll set up in the music room, there's a couch in there, and plenty of chairs for everyone. It'll be a good place to discuss the shower renovation." She said offering a hand to Amy. When she had stood up, Izumi supported her right side, and they made their way out of the room. They arrived at the music room, only to find it empty. They hadn't seen Corey or Seira at all. Depositing Amy onto the couch, Izumi said. "I'm going to check the kitchen, maybe they got into another argument, and knocked each other out."
Amy chuckled, "Watch for flying dishes." Then she tucked a throw pillow under her knee and sat back.
As Izumi approached the kitchen, she heard a strange noise. It wasn't loud, but it made her cautious. Peering around the doorway, she witnessed Corey and Seira, lost in their passionate encounter. Blushing deeply, she quickly and quietly retreated from the area. "Wow, and I thought my kiss with Hiroki was something!" she said returning to the music room.
"Did you find them?" Amy asked looking up from some sheet music she had found. "Were they getting along?"
"Oh they were getting along just fine. I think Seira finally told him how she feels." Izumi said sitting down. Picking up another piece of music, she began fanning her face.
"What's wrong? Why are you so red? Did they do something to embarrass you?" Amy said looking angrily at the door.
"No, at least not on purpose. I saw them in the middle of a kiss. A very enthusiastic kiss." She said the paper a blur.
Amy's eyes widened. "She let him kiss her? Way to go, Corey!"
Izumi smiled and said. "I'm glad for her. Corey's a good man; he'll treat her well. I was telling the truth last night Amy. If Seira wasn't going to tell him how she felt, I was going to pursue him. I could fall for him very easily."
"I think the fire would fade Izumi. You two are from different worlds. Corey isn't as sophisticated as he seems. He's much more comfortable in a pair of coveralls working on his truck, letting loose a bad word when he skins a knuckle. He would be miserable living like this all the time. That's not a reflection on you Izumi. You've been a wonderful, gracious host, and we've loved staying here. On the other hand, I can't see you getting up before dawn to milk the cows. Country life is a lot of work. If Corey's medical career doesn't pan out, he's going back to the farm. He'll make it though, he's too intelligent not to."
"You're probably right. He's just so polite and charming, I forget he grew up on a farm. Mother said she didn't meet Ryo's father until she was in college, so I guess I shouldn't be in such a hurry." She said setting her fan down.
"She dated Ryo's dad? Was that why she had his picture?" Amy said, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "How serious were they?"
"That was a long time ago, and I don't think mother would care for me revealing her past. What about your mom? Any old boyfriends lurking around Tokyo?"
Amy shook her head. "No, mom was too busy training to date. You were a tennis prodigy, you know the training involved."
"I had more time when I was playing tennis, then I did getting ready for Koshien last year. I used to go places with Hiroki. Not really a date, but I pretended it was."
"I'm not dating until I'm eighteen." Amy said determinedly. "School is my top priority. Boys are off the menu until I graduate." Her determination faded as she asked quietly, "Izumi, how would the team react if they found out about my rape?"
"They'll be surprised, but they won't turn away from you if that's what you're wondering. Amy, I was the most disagreeable member of the team. I was sarcastic, condescending, and rude. Those girls were so patient with me. They could have turned their backs, but instead they put up with me until I became a true teammate. Ryo is my closest friend. The girl who was my rival is now like a sister to me. All the girls a precious to me, and I think we all feel that way about each other. Tell them, Amy. Trust them. You won't regret it."
The doorbell ringing interrupted them, and Izumi got up to answer. Amy fidgeted nervously, wiping her hands on her pants. Izumi returned, followed by the team and Hiroki. Seira and Corey came last, and Amy could tell by Seira's expression, that things had changed between them.
As the team took seats, Ryo noticed the pillow under Amy's leg and inquired. "What's with the pillow Amy? Did you do something to your knee?"
"It got a little banged up in the fight. It's no big deal." She said waving her hand.
"Amy, you know that's not true." Izumi said scowling. "She was injured trying to protect Yuki and me last night. She can't use her leg right now."
The girls gasped, looking at Amy with concern.
"Does that mean you can't pitch?" Koharu said leaning forward in her chair. "I know a fisherman that twisted his knee so bad, he has to wear a brace all the time."
"This doesn't actually involve her knee." Corey said sitting on the arm of the couch. "It's the soft tissue directly above the knee. She has hematoma, a deep bruise, that's filled with blood and fluid, and the pain from trying to stand on it causes a reflex action, making her knee buckle."
"You sound like Kanako." Yoko said, her eyes wide. "Did you borrow her textbooks?"
"No Yoko." Seira said looking annoyed, "He's going to be a doctor too."
"Really?" the girls said in unison.
"I bet you'll be a fantastic one Corey." Hikaru said grinning. "You have a great bedside manner."
"That's terrific!" Mao said, smiling at him. "You'll be a good doctor. I'm sure of it."
"Let me get through high school before you start piling all this praise on me." He said blushing. "I may decide not to go on to medical school. That's over four years away. I'm going to study sports medicine. That could lead to a lot of careers."
"Still it's a good career choice." Hiroki said laying his hand on Corey's shoulder. "You have a lot of compassion, it'll serve you well wherever you end up."
"He has a full ride athletic scholarship." Izumi said warmly. "I bet he could teach you a thing or two about baseball Hiroki."
"Oh really." Hiroki said, a gleam in his eye. "What College?"
"I was offered one to Stanford, but I wanted to stay closer to home, so this fall I'm attending Easter Michigan University. Their athletic programs aren't top level, but they have a great sports medicine curriculum. I can't play baseball forever, and someday I'll need to support a family." He said looking at Seira.
Smiling impishly, Seira ducked under Corey's arm, hugging his waist. "You'll make it; I'm sure of it." Looking around the room, she added grinning, "Everyone, I want to tell you all that Corey and I are officially a couple. I am totally in love with him. He's going away in two days, and I'm going to miss him. I need your help to be strong while he's gone. He's coming back in April, and I'm going to spend every minute I can with him this summer." Then she stood on her tiptoes, and gave him a quick kiss. "It's going to be a great!"