Relationships
oOo
Masako awoke to the sound of the shower. Rolling over, she looked at the clock. 'Six-fifteen? Who's up this early?' She lay quietly, waiting. Five minutes later, the water shut off. She continued listening for a while longer until she heard soft footfalls in the hallway fade in the direction of the other bedrooms. "It must be Kimiko." She said to herself. "Corey takes heavier steps. She must be fretting about Amy taking those tests again." The mystery solved, she rolled over and went back to sleep. Thirty minutes later her alarm sounded, rousing her once again. She shut it off, and then lay on her back staring at the ceiling. "Well, time to make the misoshiru." She said throwing back the covers and climbing out of bed with a groan. She finished her morning ablutions and dressed herself for going to work with Shino. As she made her way to the top of the stairs, the smell of food wafted up from the kitchen. Her brow furrowed as she quickly made her way down, yelling as she approached the kitchen. "Kimiko, how many times do I have to tell you? Guests do not cook in my home!" She stopped short upon entering the room, seeing Seira wearing her apron and stirring a pot at the stove.
"Um, Good morning, Mrs. Suzuki." She said formally, turning and bowing to the old woman. "Corey failed to inform me of that last night. Please forgive me."
"I assume you're Seira?" The woman asked as she approached the stove and looked things over. "Well, for all the hard times you supposedly had growing up, you seem to know how to prepare breakfast."
"Thank you for your praise of my meager attempt. I usually have time to prepare the morning meal for my father and myself solely on Sundays." She said bowing again.
"Relax child, I'm not some royal princess you need to be so formal with." The woman replied giving her a smile and a pat on the arm. "You're Corey's girlfriend. I'd never hear the end of it if I was rude to you. Besides, I owe you for saving Kenji yesterday. He told me how you knocked that guy out. Why did you feel you needed to do this?"
"I wanted to impress you." The girl answered sheepishly. "I figured that if I did this, I could at least show you I know how to cook. I even got up early because I knew I'd have to hunt for things."
"Seira!" Kimiko exclaimed as she ran into the room, wearing her robe. Then in a suspicious voice, added. "Why are you here?"
"My parents were really rude to Corey, so we left." The redhead admitted. "I was too angry with them to go back last night, so I slept in Amy's room. I'm sorry we didn't let you know before now. You were still gone when we went to bed."
"You two were here all evening?" Kimiko asked, her voice becoming ominous. "What did you do?
"Nothing!" Seira answered, squirming under the scrutiny. "Corey fell and scraped his elbow on the sidewalk, so we came here to clean it up. Then we heated up some of the leftover food we found in the refrigerator and ate it while watching TV. After all the excitement yesterday, we were both beat, so we were asleep by ten o'clock."
"There was no fooling around?" Mother Watson pressed, looking the girl in the eyes. "Tell me the truth Seira."
"My god, Corey's right! You really don't trust him!" She spat testily. "I'm still a virgin if that's what you're worrying about. We kissed, all right? That's as far as it's gone, and it's as far as I want to go at this point! Corey's eighteen years old! Don't you think it's time you stop coddling him and start believing in him?"
"Whoo!" Masako said stepping back with a grin on her face. "I'm having flashbacks! I heard nearly those same words from your mouth when you wanted to leave to play tennis. I like her spunk! This girl is just like you Kimiko."
"A little too much it would seem" She replied crossly. "For your information, the reason I worry about Corey is because he's too impetuous. He doesn't always think things through, and I'm afraid he'll make a bad decision in the heat of the moment. When he learned of Amy's rape, he would have beaten that boy senseless if his teammates hadn't been there. He would have gone to jail for assault, and probably would still be there. Afterwards, he regretted his actions, but at the time he didn't have the restraint not to act on his feelings." She spun away, fighting to regain her composure. When she'd calmed down, she turned back and said with a strained smile. "The other reason is because you're so damn good-looking. It's hard for a young man to resist those urges when he's around such a pretty girl. I guess it's just a mom thing to worry."
"Up until last night, my mom never did." The teen replied softly, turning back to the stove to resume her cooking. "My whole life they practically ignored me. Now, I bring a guy home to meet them, and they're so overprotective that they can't even have a polite conversation with him."
"I'm sorry Seira." Kimiko said approaching her and giving her a reassuring rub across her back. "You're right. I should trust Corey more. Everything smells wonderful, dear. Thank you for making breakfast."
"It's no big deal." The girl replied, shrugging her shoulders. "Hey, Kimiko." She added after a moment, turning to look at the woman. "Thanks for being so nice to me. I was really hoping my folks would have treated Corey the same way."
"You're welcome." She replied with a sincere smile. "Well, I better go get dressed. I'm guessing that the food is almost done."
"I'm sorry if I worried you by yelling." Masako said ruefully. "Next time I'll make sure it's you before I go off on a tirade."
"It's ok, Mom." She said moving towards the doorway. "I was getting up. You just got me going. I'll make sure Corey is awake too. He shouldn't sleep through the first breakfast his girlfriend made."
When she'd left the room, Masako turned back to Seira. "Are your folks wondering where you are, child?" She said warmly.
Seira took a moment before answering softly. "I doubt it. I'm sure they know I went with Corey. He said they tried to stop him from following me." She scowled as her voice became more heated. "I was so upset with my mom last night. She called Corey a lummox! Just because he's big, doesn't mean he's dumb! If anyone else had called him that I probably would have slugged them before telling them off." Her anger spent, she became melancholy once again. "She'll be heading back to Sendai this morning. I think I've missed my chance to connect with her. I'll probably never see her again."
"Why not give it another try?" The old woman said reaching for the spoon. "I'll finish here. Why don't you call them and invite them for breakfast?"
"Do you mean it?" The girl asked hesitantly. "I'm not sure they'll be willing to. They're both on a pretty tight schedule."
"You can only make the offer, child." Masako said warmly. "If they're too stubborn to accept, that's their fault. They've had a night to think about their actions. I'm betting their response just might surprise you."
oOo
Yuki woke with a start and looked with anticipation at the clock on the wall. "It's only seven thirty?" She groaned. "Mr. Yamato won't be here for another hour." Pouting a little, she laid her head back on the pillow. A pang of hunger struck her, so she reached for one of Nene's cookies, only to be halted by her brace. With a frustrated growl, she relaxed back into the mattress. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine the therapist's response to her improvement. She had kept at it most of the evening, and had made progress. Shinobu had been so happy for her when the nurse had come to change her position before going off duty. She hadn't shown Jun yet. She'd been so exhausted, that she'd slept through being moved at four o'clock. Reaching out, she pressed the call button, smiling when the woman's voice came over the speaker.
"Good Morning Yuki. I'll be there in a moment."
"Thank you, Jun." She replied as she lowered her hand back to the mattress and waited. When the nurse entered the room, Yuki said with a smile. "I have something to show you."
"Oh?" The woman replied with a knowing smile. "I wonder what it could be."
"Help me onto my back first." The girl answered eagerly.
Jun pulled back the sheets and grabbed onto Yuki's hip, rolling her over. Stepping back, she watched the girl's legs expectantly.
Yuki calmed her mind and prepared herself. She took a deep breath and let it out. She began wiggling her toes, smiling at Jun's cry of elation. Then she moved her feet at the ankles, working them clumsily up and down and side to side.
"Oh Yuki, this is fantastic!" Jun gushed. "You're right on schedule! At this rate, you could be on your feet by tomorrow!"
"By tomorrow? Really?" The girl exclaimed excitedly. "That soon?"
"I wouldn't be surprised." The nurse said happily. She then moved closer, and put her hand under Yuki's knee, raising it slightly. "This is the next step, Yuki. Try straightening your leg."
"I don't know…" She replied nervously.
"Come on. I read the chart. You did this in your sleep yesterday. Just relax and do it!" The woman encouraged.
Yuki nodded and closed her eyes. She took deep breaths, calming her heart that had begun racing at the thought of being on her feet again. She forced herself to relax, clearing her mind of everything but the feeling of her friend's hand under her leg. She imagined that she was at the school's swimming pool, sitting on the edge and kicking her legs in the cool water. She felt the muscles in the top of her thigh respond, lifting her foot off the bed. "I did it!" She yelled, as she looked at her friend.
"That was wonderful, Yuki!" The woman said ecstatically. "You'll be chasing after fly balls in no time!" She added as she pressed the button to raise the head of the bed.
"Thank you for making me try, Jun." She beamed. "I wouldn't have if you hadn't been here."
"You're welcome." The nurse replied, smiling back.
"Good morning, you two." Dr. Kanazaki said, entering the room. "How's our star baseball player doing?"
Yuki replied by moving her feet for him. "How is that?" She asked expectantly.
"Marvelous!" He responded. "We were correct about it being a spinal concussion. I'm glad for you, Yuki. I wanted to come see how you were doing last night, but I've been in surgery for the last ten hours."
"That's ok." She said knowingly. "You have other patients to care for, probably in worse shape than I am. I'm just sorry to hear Dr. Nakamura found someone else that you needed to operate on."
"Let's have a cookie to celebrate." The nurse said reaching for the container on the table and opening it. She offered it to Yuki and then the doctor. When they both had one in hand, she took one out for herself and added. "I offer a toast to Yuki Azuma. The girl came to us scared and self conscious, but has found within herself the courage to become more than she was. May she continue inspiring others by her example." Then the nurse and the doctor raised their cookies and cried. "Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!"
The girl fidgeted at their praise, her cheeks going a little red in embarrassment as she looked down before taking a bite from her cookie. She glanced at the clock again, and smiled in anticipation. 'Just you wait Keiichi Yamato. You'll be taking me to dinner before you know it.'
oOo
The rising sun shone through the window, casting long shadows across the shop where a young man sat with his head down at a workbench. He had fallen asleep while admiring his handiwork. A catcher's mask lay gleaming next to him. Its chipped paint freshened, and its leather cleaned and polished so it looked like new in the morning's first rays. He murmured in his sleep, a smile touching his lips as he softly spoke the name of the girl who owned it. An older man entered the room, and observing the room's other occupant, set his briefcase down and approached the bench. A look of displeasure crossed his face as he reached out and shook the shoulder of the slumbering student. "Mr. Tokuharu!" He said loudly. "Get up!"
Rousing, Shun blearily looked around for who woke him. Seeing the stern look on the other's face, he shook off his drowsiness, and stood stiffly before bowing. "Professor Ogawa! Good morning! I'm sorry I fell asleep!"
"When I said you could use the shop last night, I didn't mean as a hotel. Gather your things and leave. I have a class starting in fifteen minutes." He said beginning to turn before noticing the mask. Picking it up, he studied it. "Interesting modification. Is this yours?"
"No Professor." The young man replied. "The catcher for the team we played yesterday was struck by a foul ball in the throat. I made the modification to the mask to help prevent it from happening again."
"You'll need some padding on this. As it is it could still injure him if he was struck there." The instructor said holding the mask out.
"It's a she, Professor." Shun said taking it from him. "We had the opportunity to play the Kisuragi Girl's High School team. They're very good."
"You all skipped your afternoon lectures again, didn't you?" The man questioned, crossing his arms. "You have a brilliant mind Shun. Success in passing the entrance exams here mandates that. But, if you don't show up to learn the material, all that intellect is wasted."
"You're right, Professor." He responded, gathering his tools. "I'm going to see the Sewing Club and try to get some fabric and batting from them. I'll use that to cover it. My first lecture this morning isn't until ten. Hopefully I can get the mask back to the girl before then. She was admitted to the University's hospital, so I won't have far to go."
"You're expending a lot of time and energy for a girl you just met. She must be a real looker." The professor said with a sly grin.
"She's cute all right." Shun replied self-consciously. "But, it's more than that. She's got this…vulnerability to her. I wasn't as afraid to talk to her. All through junior high school, I was terrified to speak to girls because I was such a geeky klutz. So I pushed myself, exercising and strengthening my body. It worked. I wasn't as clumsy, but I was still a geek. Then I ended up playing baseball for an all boys' high school. We were always training so hard, that girls weren't even part of my life then. Now the girls here in college never even give me a second glance, choosing the better looking, more confident guys with money. I don't want a flashy girl, Professor. You know the kind that thinks only of themselves and what you can do for them today. I want someone who'll appreciate a regular guy and not look down on him. She's going to be a junior in high school, so she's only three years younger than me. Her teammate asked me to take the girl on a date, so I think I will. If nothing else, she can help me get more used to talking with girls. Well, see you later Professor, good luck with your lab."
"Good luck to you as well, Mr. Tokuharu." He replied. "If you want, bring her by when you're on your date. I'd like to meet her."
"I'll invite her to tour the campus when she's feeling better. I'll let you know when we're coming, Professor." Then with a polite bow, he left the room and headed out of the building. Walking across the commons, he couldn't stop himself from grinning in anticipation.
oOo
"Hurry up, Ryo!" Shino called up the stairs. "You're breakfast is getting cold!"
"I'm coming, Mom!" The girl yelled as she reached the top of the stairs and began running down them.
"Did you forget to set your alarm again?" Her mother asked as she moved back to the low table where their meal was waiting.
"No, I just slept through it." Ryo said rushing to her place and quickly offered thanks for the food. "I was thinking about everything that happened yesterday, and couldn't fall asleep" She attacked her breakfast with relish, consuming half before pausing to say. "Um…Mom. I was wondering. How would feel about me going away to study after high school? I know this is kind of sudden, but I met a woman at the hospital last night. She's the head of The God's Cry School in Kyoto, and she wants me to go there. She thinks I have a special gift, and she wants to help me develop it."
"Does this have anything to do with your lightning ball?" Shino asked with concern, setting down her chopsticks. "She wants to put you in some kind of research study, doesn't she?"
"No, it's not like that." The girl replied, shaking her head. "She said she noticed me because my ki energy level is so high. She thinks I could use it to help heal people."
"A ki energy healer?" Shino said derisively. "What nonsense is this? That sort of thing only exists in child's tales, Ryo."
"It's true, Mom! I saw her heal Mao last night!" She responded animatedly. "She laid her hand on Mao's throat, and five minutes later, the bruise was nearly gone!"
"This is almost too much to believe, Ryo." She replied in astonishment. "I need to think about it for a while. I have no problem with you going away to school somewhere. I just need to look into this woman and her school first. I'll try to have an answer for you when you get home. Now, finish your breakfast or you'll be late."
"Sure. I understand, Mom." The girl replied, resuming her breakfast. "Oh, I forgot." She added around a mouthful of food. "Ms. Himuro hired her sister to teach self defense at Kisuragi next year. All the students are going to have to take the class. You could start by talking to her. She's sharing the hospital room with Mao."
"What happened to her?" Shino asked, pausing with a bite of rice halfway to her mouth.
"She had her ribs broken fighting one of the creeps that hurt Amy." Ryo stated, taking another bite before continuing. "She seems really nice. I was rude to her, running away from her while she was talking to me, and she forgave me." She finished and thanked her mother for the meal. Climbing to her feet, she moved to her father's shrine and offered a silent prayer. Then turning, she grabbed her schoolbag and ran to the door, calling over her shoulder. "See you tonight, Mom."
"Be safe, Ryo!" She called back as the door slid shut. Looking at the clock, she added. "Less than an hour until Mrs. Suzuki arrives." Gathering the dishes, she moved to the sink and began washing them. Once they were rinsed and dried, she began cleaning the food prep counter. She wanted the place to be spotless when the woman arrived.
oOo
Mao was awakened by the sound of a baby crying. Wearily, she opened her eyes and sat up. She looked over at her roommate and saw she was meditating. Not wanting to disturb her, she quietly got out of bed and headed for the toilet. Washing her hands afterwards, she looked at herself in the mirror. Hikaru was right. She had slimmed down since joining the team. "Maybe it's not so crazy that someone thinks I'm attractive." She raised her chin and studied her injury. "This is incredible. You can barely see a mark." Turning off the light, she headed back to her bed.
Motoko looked over as she climbed back in. "Good morning, Mao. How are you feeling?"
"I feel good." The girl replied. "I think I'll be able to go home today. I'm sorry if I disturbed you."
"Believe me, Mao." The Samurai said gingerly laying back down. "You have done the least to disturb me. I never should have agreed to this room. I have been listening to infants crying since six o'clock. I was meditating to regain my composure. I will request to be discharged as well.
"Good morning, ladies. I hope you both slept well." The nurse said walking into the room, carrying two trays. "Are you ready for breakfast?"
"Yes Ma'am." Mao said eagerly. "I missed dinner last night. I'm starving."
"I too am prepared to consume my morning meal." Motoko added gravely. "I have been awake for over two hours, listening to the caterwauling of newborns. I now regret accepting the assistant director's offer of this room."
"Just wait until you have a child of your own, Miss." The older woman said with a knowing smile as she raised the head of her bed. "Newborns don't sleep through. You'll be lucky to get four hours of sleep a night."
"I can hardly wait." The swordswoman muttered.
"How are your ribs this morning? Have you been doing the breathing exercises they gave you?" She continued, placing the bed table in front of her.
"Of course." She grumbled back. "I have discipline. A little pain is nothing for a true warrior to endure. I understand the ramifications of not doing them, so do not be concerned for me."
"That's good to hear." Turning to Mao, she continued, setting the other tray in front of her. "Here we go, Miss Daidoji, some miso broth. This shouldn't be too hard for you to swallow."
"Thank you. Um, Nurse, if it's not too much trouble, could I maybe get some scrambled eggs, please?" The girl asked respectfully.
"I don't think that's wise with your injury." She replied in a scolding tone. "And you shouldn't be talking."
"But I'm nearly healed up. Look!" The girl raised her chin to give the nurse a better look. The woman's eyes went wide, and then she quickly left the room.
"I don't think she was expecting that Mao." Motoko said with a chuckle. "I imagine things are going to get lively here very soon."
"You mean even livelier than last night?" The catcher asked, concern showing on her face. "I didn't mean to make more trouble."
"Do not concern yourself, Mao." The swordswoman answered in a comforting tone. "If they require a detailed explanation, I will be glad to give them the information."
"Thanks, Motoko." She gratefully replied. Then she attacked the bowl of soup with gusto, bringing it to her lips and quickly draining it. "Oh that was good." She commented as she set the bowl down and wiped her mouth.
"Well you certainly aren't having any difficulty swallowing." Motoko commented as she watched. Lifting the cover of her own tray, she smiled. "Wonderful. A simple, traditional breakfast, the only thing missing is a good cup of tea." Picking up her chopsticks, she added. "Let's hope they don't come back until I'm done."
oOo
"Welcome to my home." Masako said warmly as Seira's parent's stepped through the doorway and removed their shoes. "We're so glad you've accepted our invitation."
"We were surprised when Seira called. Thank you for inviting us." Her father said with a slight bow. "I'm Yoshi Morimura, and this is Seira's mother, Reiko.
"I'm Masako Suzuki, please make yourself at home." She replied, bowing back. "This is my daughter, Kimiko."
"Thank you for taking in our daughter last night." Yoshi said bowing again. "She wasn't too much of a burden I hope."
"Oh don't concern yourselves about that." Kimiko said modestly from the hallway. "You would have never known she was here. Please come in"
"Still, I'm glad she wasn't alone somewhere with that boy all night." Seira's mother interjected as they entered the main room. "I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to be a grandmother yet."
"Don't worry, Mom." Seira grumbled from her place on the couch next to Corey. "I'm not ready for that either."
"Well, the food's ready, let's eat." Masako said cheerfully as she led them to the kitchen. "Oh dear, I'm afraid the table's not quite big enough for everyone. Corey…Seira… Kimiko and I need to have a discussion with the Morimuras. Would you mind eating in the other room?"
"Uh, sure Grandma, we can do that." Corey replied uneasily. "Just let us get our plates."
When they had their breakfast in hand, they walked past Kimiko standing in the doorway. "I know Corey. Why not show Seira your music video? You know the one from the Halloween party?"
"But that's over half an hour long…Ohh…okay, Mom." He said with a knowing smile. "Give us a yell when you're done. Come on Seira, you can see the other guys in my band. The tape's in Grandpa's study."
Looking over her shoulder as Kimiko slid the pocket door shut, Seira asked. "Shouldn't we stay with them? I don't want to miss my chance to get through to Mom."
"Let Mom and Grandma have a go at them first." He said with a knowing smile as he led her down the hall. "Your parents are going to get an earful, I can guarantee that."
"They're just going to leave if those two make them upset." She replied as she turned to go back.
Corey grabbed her arm. "It'll be alright, Seira. Mom's guarding the door. She won't let them out until they've heard what Grandma has to say. Come on, you'll die when you see the costume our guitarist was wearing."
Kimiko turned back to their guest when she was sure the two teens had left. "Forgive our theatrics, but we're afraid if Seira was here this would dissolve into another shouting match, and nothing would be accomplished. Please have a seat."
"She told you about last night?" Mr. Morimura said as he found his chair.
"Actually, Corey did this morning." Masako replied as she filled bowls with misoshiru. "He was still upset that you disapproved of him so readily."
"My ex-husband told me you have a daughter as well, and that she's coming to school here." Reiko stated. "How would you feel if after not seeing her for nearly a year, she's brought home some foreign brute?"
"I would at least try to understand why she was enamored with him." Kimiko said evenly. "You didn't even allow Corey the chance, dismissing him simply because of his appearance. My son really is an intelligent young man."
"Your son?" The woman scoffed. "There is no way that you bore him."
"Does that make a difference?" Masako said coolly. "She loves him as if she had. She's cared for Corey from the day he was born. She's the only mother he's ever known. Too bad you never developed those feelings for Seira."
"What do you mean by that?" She replied angrily. "I raised that girl for fourteen years. That surely counts for something! Who do you think you are judging me like this?"
"Be quiet!" Masako said in a commanding voice. Then, regaining her composure, continued more calmly. "If anyone in this room has proven to be quick to judge, it is you. We only want to discuss the possible future those two have together, and whether they would have your support. My husband is her therapist, and shared his concerns about her with us when we learned she wanted to date Corey. We know about Seira's childhood. How you were disinclined to nurture her, shoving her aside when she desired your affection. Neglect like that can be devastating to a young person's sense of self worth. Then on top of that, she was further wounded by your divorce. She's a charming young woman that's had her heart torn in two by your constant arguing. The both of you have seemed to find it convenient to forget about Seira's feelings in the past. In light of that, I would like to know why you were so vehemently opposed to Corey's presence in your home last night."
"When she read Seira's letter to me over the phone, my heart broke." Mr. Morimura said softly, his head hung in shame. "I never realized how much pain we'd caused her. I vowed then to be there for her more. I arrived home that same afternoon to talk to Seira about it. When I walked in, I saw her straddling Corey on the floor. I didn't know what to think. I was angry. I'll admit it. She was quick to defend him, but I didn't really listen. Then her friend mentioned about him seeing her breasts. I've held resentment towards him since that moment."
"Wait…wait…Corey's seen her breasts?" Kimiko asked gravely. "I think I need to have a talk with those two when we're done."
"You mean you didn't know?" Seira's mother asked sarcastically, smirking at Kimiko. "Maybe your son isn't the angel you think he is."
She looked darkly at the woman. "I never said he was an angel. But he's promised me to forgo sex until he's married. I trust him to honor that promise."
"He told me she'd stubbed her toe, and her robe came undone." Yoshi admitted. "They both swear it was an accident, and that Corey looked away as soon as he noticed." Sighing, he added. "If Seira really is in love with him, I suppose the least I can do is give him a chance."
"No!" Reiko yelled, rising to her feet. "There are plenty of fine, intelligent, young Japanese men out there for her to date! I will not approve of her wasting her time on some foreigner that she'll only see a few times a year! That's no relationship!"
"Excuse my impertinence, but you do realize Seira resents you. Don't you?" Kimiko said scowling. "Do you think you'll endear yourself to her if you fight her on this?"
"I'll admit I haven't been the most nurturing mother in the past." The woman said, staring her down. "But that doesn't mean I'm not concerned for her future. Sitting around for the next two years pining for your son strikes me as time that could be better spent planning a career! She will never be content just doing household chores!"
"I don't know about that." Masako said calmly. "She seemed pretty content when I walked in on her making breakfast this morning."
"Seira made this?" Reiko asked in shock as she looked down at her plate. "I never taught her to cook. Where did she learn to cook so well?"
"A friend of mine took her in at night when she was running the streets." Kimiko replied. "I would guess she showed her a few things. Also, her teammate's mother owns a restaurant. I would bet that she learned some things there as well. Seira is a remarkable young woman. I watched her interact with a small girl at the hospital the other day. In spite of your poor example, I believe she'll be a good mother."
Reiko sat down heavily. "She really doesn't need me, does she?" She said forlornly. "I said I never wanted children, but I didn't mean it. I was lost in the heat of an argument. If I'd known Seira was there, I never would have uttered those words. I held so much resentment towards my husband for taking my career away from me, I just kept spitting venom. It's true I neglected her, but I never wanted to hurt her. She told me to go back to Sendai last night. Maybe it's better if I do."
"She was angry at you." Masako said gently. "Try again this morning and see what she says."
"She went to my friend's clothing store the other day." Kimiko added, reaching out and patting the woman's hand. "She shopped for two hours trying to find just the right dress for when she saw you again. It sounds to me like she still needs you around."
It's too late." The woman lamented. "My spurning Corey drove the final wedge between us."
"Reiko, give it a try." Yoshi said tenderly. "You'll end up regretting it if you don't."
"Will you come with me?" She entreated him. Then she scowled at the other women as she added. "This is crazy. You people have made me afraid to talk to my own daughter."
"Why don't we all go?" Kimiko ventured. "We all have a stake in the outcome."
"Let's finish breakfast first." Masako interjected. "They aren't going anywhere soon."
oOo
"I'm leaving, Mother." Izumi said as she stood by the doorway to the kitchen. "Good luck with the Parent's Association."
"Have a good day." Ms. Himuro replied, looking back from standing at the window where she had been lost in thought. "I'll let you know what they decide at lunch time. Don't let it distract you from your studies. I believe they will understand you and Seira had little choice when they hear the details. Be safe walking to school, dear."
Impulsively, the girl crossed the room and hugged her mother as she said. "I love you." Then she turned and purposefully strode from the room.
Keiko Himuro turned back to the window, a smile on her lips, and a proud feeling radiating through her body. "What a daughter I have." She uttered softly, leaning against the window frame.
Izumi crossed the courtyard, noticing the grove of cherry trees at the edge was beginning to leaf out. "I'll have to arrange a blossom viewing party for everyone." She said to herself as she reached the gate. "I'll talk to Nene about helping me." Pressing the button mounted on the wall, she was rewarded as the gate smoothly and silently opened. She stopped short when she observed a black Nissan sports car parked across the drive. She watched nervously as the door opened, but breathed a sigh of relief when she saw who it was. "Officer Watanabe! What are you doing here?"
"Good morning, Miss Himuro." He greeted her with a slight bow. "I'm here to apologize for not protecting you better yesterday." Straightening, he continued, a little nervously. "I'm on disciplinary leave right now. Since I have some time on my hands, I was wondering if you would let me drive you to school… just as a way of apology!" He quickly added when he saw her bewildered expression.
"I heard your section chief chewing you out." She said recovering from her surprise and moving closer to him. "Are you in a lot of trouble?"
"Nah," he said with a dismissive wave. "He only gave me a week without pay. Once he heard about that woman taking down Akira Motokai, and understood just how formidable she was, he calmed down quite a bit. How about you?"
"I'm still waiting to hear what will happen to me." She answered, her cheeks going a little red in embarrassment. "The school doesn't look kindly on its students fighting." She sighed and the added. "This has really been a terrible few days, hasn't it?"
"It's been different, that's for sure." He replied with a nod. "How's your friend that started all this doing?"
"Amy did not start this!" She spat testily. "She's an innocent victim!"
"Hold on, that's not what I meant." He said defensively. "I know she never wanted any trouble, but can you deny that her presence was the catalyst that set all this in motion?"
"No, I guess you're right." She answered, mollified. "By the way, how's Officer Kobiyashi doing?"
"He spent the night in the hospital with a mild concussion. I'll be going to see him after I drop you off…if you're agreeable that is." He said with a hopeful look on his face.
"How could I say no when I see an expression like that." She said with a laugh.
They both looked over as another car pulled up. Izumi walked over as the driver's window rolled down. "Good morning, Mr. Yamagida, Mother is waiting in the kitchen."
"Thank you, Miss Izumi. I will make haste. Madam has a very busy morning." He replied. Then looking at Watanabe, he inquired. "Are you in danger from this man, Miss Izumi?"
"No, he's the policeman who was assigned to protect me yesterday." She replied turning and calling out. "Officer, would you come here please?"
He walked over and gave Yamagida a courteous bow. "Good morning, sir. My name is Watanabe. I am simply here to make amends for failing to protect her adequately yesterday. I should have tried harder to prevent her from entering the conflict."
"Do not unduly trouble yourself, Officer, for nothing you could have said would have altered the outcome." Yamagida said emotionlessly. "Miss Izumi is a very strong willed young woman."
"I've come to realize that." The policeman commented as he glanced at Izumi. "Still, it was my job to protect her. So as a way of apology, I am giving of my time to drive her to school. Give us a moment, and we will be out of your way."
"Very well, Officer, I entrust her to your care." The man replied as he looked sternly at the girl. "I will inform your mother about this, Miss Izumi. Please be safe." Then he sat back, rolled the window up, and waited.
"Well, Miss Himuro, let's go." Watanabe said walking back to the car and holding the passenger door open for her. "I promise to get you there safely."
"Why Officer, how gallant of you to hold a door for a lady, my friends would be jealous." Izumi teased as she moved to sit down, only to lose her balance and fall the last few centimeters into the car. "Wow, this seat is low." She added as she pulled her legs in.
"Sports cars do sit low." He replied, his cheeks having gone a little red as he closed the door. He quickly moved around the car and got in the other side. "Um, if we ever do this again, you may want to wear slacks." He added as he turned the ignition and the motor came to life. Shifting the car into gear and pulling into the street, he finished by saying. "Not that I didn't enjoy the view."
"Oh?...Oh!" She exclaimed, blushing in turn as she tugged on the hem of her skirt. "I'll remember that, thank you." She added quickly. "I'm usually better about preventing that from happening."
"You won't be so caught off guard next time." He reassured her. Then he chuckled as he said. "Kobiyashi would be upset if he knew he missed this. I love the guy like a brother, but he's a first class pervert. He's always telling me to check out this woman or that woman when we're on patrol together."
"Then it was just as well I was sitting behind him yesterday." Izumi said, staring at him, a little taken back by the man's frankness. "How about you, Officer Watanabe, do you ogle the women you meet?"
"You tell me." He replied, his face becoming serious. "I was with you most of the day. Did I ever ogle you?"
"No. Not that I can recall." She said, a slight smile coming back to her lips. "You've treated me courteously at all times. How about Amy? The first time you met her she was only wearing a bra on top."
He frowned at the question, and then answered. "I won't deny it. When an attractive, half naked young woman comes through the door, you can't help but look. I was the one who got her the sweatshirt though. Does it bother you that I did look?"
"Not really." She said turning away from him and staring out through the windshield. "I am glad that you admitted it. I would have called any man who had told me differently a liar."
"That's good." He spoke, relief in his voice. "I don't want to disappoint you any more."
"When did I ever say I was disappointed in you?" She asked, irritation creeping back into her voice.
"When we stopped at the flower shop, and you were upset with my attitude towards the wealthy." He answered evenly. "You never came right out and said it, but the sarcasm in your voice spoke volumes about how you felt about me."
"You're right. I wasn't too happy with you then." She admitted, glancing at him. "The two of you didn't even know me and you had already decided I was an oppressive tyrant. Do you blame me for being a little put off?"
"No, I don't blame you at all." He responded, shaking his head. "It would be like you saying to me that all cops are corrupt. While that may be true for a few, most of us take our responsibility of protecting the public seriously."
"Do you think I would make a good policewoman?" She asked, turning her attention to a man walking down the sidewalk. "I need to start thinking about what I'm going to do after high school."
"Why would you want to be a policewoman?" He asked in confusion. "Your mother is head of a prestigious business group. Wouldn't you rather go manage one of her ventures somewhere?"
In a quiet voice, she answered. "That's what most people expect from me, but after yesterday, that sounds so dreary… I want to do more!" She exclaimed turning excitedly towards him. "It was so empowering to help bring those hoodlums down! I've finally broken through the cage my mother had built around me! Now I want to fly free, into a world of my own making. I'm sure I'll face opposition from my mother and others, but I need to prove to them and myself that Izumi Himuro isn't a weak little canary, too timid to leave the shadow of her cage, but a hawk, fierce and proud, unafraid to fly so high that I disappear from view!"
"You certainly are that, Miss Himuro." He responded after a moment of silence. "I was impressed by your courage during that fight yesterday. In my opinion, you would make a fine policewoman."
"Thank you for your candor, Officer." She said warmly. "You're an honest man, so I trust your opinion. If you don't think I'm being too forward, I'd like you to call me Izumi."
"I don't think that's being forward at all." He replied, giving her a friendly smile. "It's nice to meet you Izumi, I'm Hiro."
Seeing that smile, Izumi's heart skipped a beat. She turned and looked out her window before the man could see the blush form on her face. "Say, did Officer Kobiyashi talk to you about what we discussed while you were in the flower shop?"
The man glanced at her suspiciously. "No, he was pretty out of it when they wheeled him up to the ER. Why?"
"Oh, I'd mentioned a silly schoolgirl fantasy to him, and I was afraid that with his big mouth, he'd revealed all the embarrassing details to you." She said turning back and giving him a smile in return. "It's no big deal. I was just curious."
"Tell me and I'll decide if it's silly or not." He responded with a mirthful grin. "You shouldn't be afraid to share your dreams, Izumi. Sometimes it only takes telling the right person to make them come true."
"Maybe I will, someday." She said demurely, looking at her lap. Sensing the car slowing, she looked up. "Oh, we're here already?" She lamented as he turned into the drive of the school. She watched silently as he pulled up to the front steps, wishing she didn't need to climb them. She sighed and then looked sadly at him. "Couldn't you have driven a little slower?"
"Uh…I'm sorry?" He stammered in confusion upon seeing her expression. "I didn't…I mean…Are you crying?"
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." She mumbled as she opened the door and scrambled out.
"Wait Izumi!" He called after her as he climbed out. When she stopped, he continued. "What's the matter? Did I say or do something to upset you? I'm sorry if I did. I never meant to hurt you."
"You'd better go." She called back. "If you make too big of commotion, security will come. I don't think your section chief will appreciate you making another scene at the same all girls' school. Thank you for the ride." Then she ran up the steps, disappearing from view through the door.
"I just don't get her." He said, scratching his head. Climbing back into his car, he silently continued. 'One minute she's laughing and giving me a smile, the next she's in tears. Is she bipolar? Damn it, Kobiyashi had better be awake, because I am going to find out what is she's so worried about me finding out.' Putting the car into gear, he quickly pulled away, drawing wary stares from other arriving students as he tore through the gate and onto the street.
oOo
The third doctor of the morning finished examining Mao's injury. "Remarkable!" He muttered writing in a journal before turning and walking out of the room.
"Well, they seem intrigued by you Mao." Motoko said with a grin. "Too bad they won't believe the explanation I gave them."
"I don't blame them." The girl replied, lying back in bed. "I experienced it and I'm still amazed by it."
They were interrupted by a knock on their door. "Good morning, Miss Daidoji." Keiichi Yamato said as he entered. "I wasn't expecting to find you on this floor."
"Mr. Yamato, good morning." She replied in surprise. "Why are you here?"
"I saw you get hit in the throat by a 160 kph pitch yesterday, and was just wondering how you were doing." He said with a concerned expression. "You're causing quite a buzz with your remarkable recovery." He added as he tilted her chin and examined the injury. He whistled in surprise before commenting. "There's hardly any bruising at all! You really must be made out of sturdy stuff!"
"Actually, it was my roommate's sister that healed me. I just wish the doctor's would believe her." Mao said blushing at his touch.
"Oh?" He said looking at Motoko. "Do you mind sharing the secret? I have patients that have bruises and swelling that I would love to heal like this."
"Who are you?" Motoko asked suspiciously. "I've worked housekeeping here for a year and I've never met you before."
"My name is Keiichi Yamato." He said with a polite bow. "I'm a physical therapist. I'm usually done here by lunchtime. If you work the afternoon shift, it's no wonder we've never met." Then smiling warmly, he added. "I know I could never forget such a beautiful woman."
"Your flattery is wasted on me, wretch." She growled. "And if you touch her again without permission, you will answer to me!"
"Whoa! Bad vibes from bed number two." He said with a grin. "I'll be going then, Miss Daidoji. I'm due at Miss Azuma's room for her therapy. If you feel up to it later, I'm sure she'd like you to visit her. Well, have a good day."
"You have one as well, Mr. Yamato. Thank you for thinking of me." When he'd left, Mao turned to her roommate. "Are you going to show him how she healed me?"
"There is no sense in teaching him the technique." She said sinking into her pillow. "He doesn't have enough ki energy to perform it, and I doubt he has the determination to grow it to the necessary level."
"Still, to have an excuse to spend time with a good looking guy like that…" Mao implied.
"I'm sure he has plenty of women fawning over him, Mao." The swordswoman growled. "He is a shark, mark my words."
oOo
Yuki looked up excitedly at the knock on her door. "Mr. Yamato! Good morning!"
"Good Morning, Yuki." He said giving her a wide grin. "Are you ready for you therapy?"
oOo
A/N: Well here's another chapter. I know I've been slacking on getting chapters out, but I'm trying to write some on this every day. Motivation is getting harder to come by. Please bear with me as I have not abandoned it.