Chapter 78

Today was the big day.

Today she would play in front of...she didn't know how many people actually. And that thought made her nervous.

Damn Hitomi for being right!

Earlier when she had woken up she was still as confident as back during their little stroll in the park but little by little, as she went through her morning routine coupled with Hitomi asking more than once if she was alright, that confidence was whittled down until it was barely there anymore as she was standing in front of their bedroom mirror.

For the at least twentieth time she checked if the dark-grey striped blouse had any wrinkles or if the belt was keeping her black business skirt in place.

Alright Leifang. You're just gonna play two songs in front of some people today, no big deal. You fought in front of a lot more people. She said to herself to calm herself down but not really succeeding. Letting her shoulders slump she closed her eyes and released a sigh.

The scent of her girlfriend was in the air before a pair of arms circled around her shoulders. "Nervous?"

"Yes, and it's all your damn fault!" Leifang opened her eyes and glared through the mirror at Hitomi, who in turn let out a soft laugh and planted a kiss on her cheek. "It's true. If you hadn't talked about this then I wouldn't be nervous right now."

"Sweetie, it's just stage fright. Can't be the first time you felt it." Hitomi said with a sweet smile. "I remember how nervous I was when entered my first real tournament."

"Honestly? I wasn't this nervous when I participated in the first Dead or Alive Tournament."

"For real?"

"Yeah. Maybe it was because I wanted to fight against Jann Lee that much."

Hitomi pressed her left cheek against Leifang's right. "Don't worry too much. You practiced so much you can nearly play it in your sleep. You'll do fine. Besides I'll be there too as soon as it's half time."

"Heh, nearly forgot about that," Leifang said and turned around to face her. Hitomi was already dressed in her football clothes, opting to just put them on first and take some spare clothes so that she wouldn't have to run around in her sweaty jersey all the way home. Fortunately Hitomi had managed to persuade her coach only to play the first half of the game and let her leave afterwards because she had to work later. "Sorry that I can't be there to watch you too."

"Don't worry." The German planted a small kiss on her lips and tasted the peach lip gloss Leifang was wearing, making her want to go for seconds but instead just gave her a playful wink. "We're gonna win anyway. The way things have been going this year we might as well just replace the SC Freiburg."

"I don't know much about football but I think," she patted Hitomi on her shoulder. "that's a little overestimating of you. Besides isn't that one a male league team?"

"First time for everything."

This made Leifang laugh and she felt some of her nervousness subsiding. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"So are you ready? Or should I tell you how hot I think you are right now until you are?" Hitomi asked with a wide grin while playing with the older girl's long hair a little.

"As delightful as that sounds I think I'm good now." she had to laugh once more when Hitomi actually pouted. "Now now, don't pout. Wouldn't want you to go onto the field in a bad mood." she joked and gave her another peck on the lips.

"Alrighty then." Hitomi said, all smiles again, pulled her arms back and grabbed her duffel bag with the change of clothes she would be wearing after the game.

They left the apartment and headed out towards their destination at a leisurely pace. While walking she noticed that Hitomi seemed to be a little bit distracted, staring off into the distance.

"Your turn to be nervous now?"

"Wha-?" Hitomi blinked. "Oh no no. Just thinking about my shift today. Gonna be a major pain."

"When are you going to be back?"

"Around eight. And I'm also most likely gonna be a zombie then." Hitomi chuckled to herself. Sure it sucked for her that she had to play on the field on one of the days that she was working at the Oktoberfest, but at least it was only for the first half of the game, so that wasn't what occupied her mind.

She had something much more important on her mind. Truth was she actually did have a little more time after her game, but she needed that for the plan that she had in the works for weeks now. So far everything had been arranged. I really hope the directions I gave will suffice. She thought to herself.

She felt a little bad that she was doing this behind Leifang's back but there was no other way that she could see.

At the university the German escorted Leifang to class, giving her some more encouraging words before telling her that she had to go off to the team.

"Good luck." Leifang wished her before turning to walk into the classroom and greeting the other students and the teacher, who were currently placing the seats for the guests around the mid section of the room. Hitomi all but sprinted back toward the campus entrance, dodging a few people here and there and apologizing every time as she did so, but upon arriving didn't find who she was looking for amongst the people that were entering the campus.

Damn she undid her ponytail, then pulled her hair back again, pacing up and down. She must have made a funny picture, dressed in football jersey and all. Hitomi checked her wristwatch. Only a few minutes before she had to meet up with the team.

As if on cue as soon as she dropped her arm back to her side she noticed a black, rather expensive looking car, pulling into the large driveway and stopping on the parking lot. She send a silent prayer to whoever was out there. Let it be her.

And her prayers were answered as the driver got out of the car, opened up the passenger door and helped the woman, that was nearly the spitting image of Leifang if not for those few signs of age on her face, dressed impeccably like the last time she had seen her and her hair was kept in a tight bun. Hitomi jogged over to them and bowed instantly upon stopping in front of her. Now she was glad she had at least managed to get down the basic greetings in Mandarin and started to speak when she was interrupted.

"Understand English. Don't speak well, but understand mostly." Mrs. Gāo said. "Nice to see again."

Hitomi was shocked for a second but regained her composure quickly enough. "It's nice to see you again too."

"Leifang, where?" the woman asked simply as she started to walk with Hitomi.

"Follow me please."

Leifang swallowed as she saw all the people passing by the classroom, sometimes curiously looking in after they read the sign that said that there would be a music performance starting in – she checked her watch – half an hour. Releasing a sigh she went back to plunking the keys of the piano to check if everything was in order.

It was.

Of course it was! She checked it ten times already since Hitomi had left. The younger girl was most likely already on the field and Leifang found herself wanting to switch places with her. Couldn't be too hard to kick a ball and score some goals, right?

"Don't know about you guys, but I'm starting to get a teensy-weensy bit nervous." Philip, one of her fellow students, said. A short guy, on the more chubby side, he didn't really stand out much in most aspects if it wasn't for his talent with the clarinet and if things would keep going how they do now he had good chances of becoming a member of a renowned orchestra.

"Tell me about it." Leifang muttered and watched as everyone else was giving their instruments a quick check up as well. At least she wasn't the only one.

This went on for the next twenty or so minutes until the teacher returned, greeting the few visitors that were standing outside the door with a pleasant "Good day", then entering the room, closing the door as he did so, and walked over to his students with a toothy smile. "Everything in order?"

Leifang looked over her shoulders to the others and yes they didn't seem to be much better now than twenty minutes ago. Turning back to the professor she said: "I don't think we'll get any readier than now."

"Very well then. In that case I think it's time we go over the schedule. Leifang," she straightened in her seat. "I want you to go first, if that's alright with you."

Leifang released a breath, closed her eyes and shook her head. "I'd rather not." she said, rubbing her hands a little. "My girlfriend wanted to watch me play and she is participating in the football game today."

"Oh yeah, that Hitomi girl." one of her fellow students, Charlotte, the girl on the violin, commented from the sidelines.

"That's right." Leifang nodded. "She's coming over right after the game, so if I would play last then she could still watch me play this as well as our little group concert."

"I understand. If it's that important to you then you can come last." Professor Neuhaus nodded understandingly. "Alright, then the next one on the list would be..."

The last few minutes were spent assigning the rest of the schedule. As the door opened once more a good deal more people that were previously waiting outside entered the room. But Leifang didn't pay them too much mind and rather arranged the music sheet in a way that would make it much more easier for her to play later. She didn't notice the familiar form of her mother walking in with the other people but keeping herself placed in the seats so that she wouldn't be immediately spotted but had a clear view on Leifang.

"I wish you all a good day," Professor Neuhaus addressed everyone. "Now you most likely heard the general introduction and praising of the University from my colleagues already," he joked, gathering some small laughs. "So I'm just going to keep it to the basics. I'm Professor Rudolf Neuhaus and I'm the resident music teacher. And I guess that's pretty self explanatory. Now a lot of people find the theory behind music quite dull. I did too during my time as a student. That's why I believe practical lessons are much more important and in the spirit of that I decided to have you not watch another lesson like you all most likely saw already as well, but rather have some of my students here," he gestured towards each of them. "play a few songs that they were so kind to practice in their free time just for today. But I don't want to bore you too much with my talking so why don't we just begin? Miss. Jäger if you would be so kind."

With that said he walked over to his own seat and Leifang watched as Charlotte stepped forward, bringing her Violin in position and placing the bow on the strings.

And all Leifang did was listen as she played. And after she was done she listened to the ones that followed, closing her eyes and truly take in the music. Time flew by, instruments and songs switched until it was her turn. As the professor addressed her she opened her eyes, got onto her feet and bowed to the guests. Sitting back down she caught Hitomi leaning against the doorway, dressed in her spare clothes and hair still very much damp from the shower she must have taken before hurrying over here. She exchanged a quick smile with her before holding her hands over the keys.

She released a deep breath. Everything in the world exists within the Tai Chi.

And with that last thought she started playing. A little hesitatingly at first but soon she gained confidence that was needed to play this right, playing it calmly yet intense, alternating between relaxed flow and tightly wound staccato. A broad grin broke out on her face as she came to the first faster part and her confidence flared, showing off a little by switching hands on a few of the easier parts, going slower or faster on the fly just as Listz had intended when he wrote this.

Sweat gathered on her brows and a single stray drop ran down her nose. She wiped it away in a quick movement as she changed the position of her hands, not even realizing that she had done so, so great was her focus on the music she was playing right now.

As the final part of the song started her hands were all but flying across the keys, moving with such speed that she left some people in awe. With a deep breath she played the last keys with more force and as soon as her finger had pressed the last one she got back onto her feet, grin still on her face, and bowed before her audience who where all clapping. Her eyes sought out Hitomi who was also clapping and giving her a look that told her "I knew you could do it."

She bowed a few more times until the clapping subsided and sat down once again, her fellow students joining her back in the middle, followed by the Professor.

"Ladies and Gentleman and for our grand finale." Professor Neuhaus clapped and held his hand out towards Leifang. "A little something that Ms. Gāo here suggested."

As the older man left she looked at every member of their little orchestra. They all shared a quick nod and brought their instruments in place.

And Leifang pressed the first keys to start the song.

"You were amazing." Hitomi said as she walked up to Leifang as people were streaming out of the room. The Chinese gathered her in a hug and pressed her lips on hers for a small kiss.

"I was alright."

"Are you kidding me? The way you moved your hands was," Hitomi shook her head. "Absolutely wow."

"If you want I can do some other things with them tonight when you get back home." Leifang whispered, making Hitomi grin.

"Watch it, I might just hold you to that." her grin dropped and Leifang dropped her arms from around her. "But yeah I gotta go, gonna head back home to change. You'll still be here for a bit?"

"Yeah, gotta help clean up the room and then grab something to eat. So I'll see you tonight. Don't exhaust yourself." she winked.

"Heh, I'll try." Hitomi said and headed for the door, blowing her a kiss goodbye before leaving.

Well then, she thought, gathering up her music sheet and closing the piano. Time to call it a day.

A little over an hour later had Leifang walking back home from the bus stop, feeling pretty good about herself. Despite her earlier nervousness it had all worked out. She was just checking some news updates on her smart-phone when an expensive black car, that was parked in front of their apartment building, caught her eye.

She looked at it for a moment, arching an eyebrow. Did someone win the lottery?

With a shrug she entered the building and headed up the stairs, debating what she should do next. A nice hot shower sounded good right now and she certainly earned it today!

Grabbing her keys she unlocked the door and entered their apartment, closing the door with a push of her hips behind herself and pulling off her shoes afterward. The keys were dropped into the small bowl they placed them into all the time. She rubbed the back of her head, already feeling the hot water on her skin as she entered the living room-

"Hello, dear."

-and immediately stopped in her tracks. Right in front of her, sitting on the sofa, was her mother, looking at her with a neutral expression on her face. "Mother...What are you doing here?" she scowled. "Did Father send you?"

"Your Father doesn't know I'm here. As to that other question. Your...girlfriend, Hitomi, contacted me. Told me about today and that she wanted me to be here. To watch you play."

Hitomi had done what?!

Leifang looked down to her feet. So that was why she was acting a little strange. Dammit, Hitomi.

She looked up into her mother's eyes as she heard her walk over and didn't push her away when the older woman placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's good to see you again, dear. You look good."

"What do you want, Mother?" Leifang sighed and crossed her arms in front of her chest. She would definitely have a talk with Hitomi later for pulling this stunt on her.

"What I want?" her mother removed her hand again. "Repair our family."

Leifang scoffed. "There's nothing to repair. Father and I made very clear what we think of one another."

"That's not true. Your father regrets what he said, even if that stubborn old mule doesn't say it I can tell. I've been married to him long enough. And you!" she pointed at Leifang. "You can't hide from me how you feel either. Hitomi told me everything."

Leifang didn't say anything, only glared at her mother. Her mother mirrored her look. "You don't even see how much you are like your father. Stubborn to the bone. But so am I, Gāo Leifang. I stood by long enough while my husband and only daughter couldn't get over their stupid pride and just apologize to each other. I'm sick of it!"

"And what if we apologize? Would he simply just accept me not wanting to follow in his footsteps or me being in love with another woman? Would you?" Leifang asked.

"I'm going to be honest and admit that it was quite the shock when you said it first and what your father said about his reputation wasn't called for." she shook her head. "He was...angry. Angry that you kept it from us, angry that his assistant of all people was the one to tell him. I can't deny that it would impede on his reputation but you should know that he was never interested in what other people thought of him."

"So what?"

"What I'm saying is that I want to see you happy. You're my daughter, my only child." Leifang didn't fight it when her mother placed her hands on her shoulders once more. "I may not have been the best mother and didn't have all the time for you that I wished I had. But I love you. If what you choose truly makes you happy then that is all that matters. And I want to be there for it."

Leifang released another sigh. She wanted to be angry at the woman, wanted to just send her away, but she couldn't. She was still her mother and hearing those words, well, it felt nice. And maybe she was right. "Fine." she said reluctantly. "I'll talk to father, but I can't make any promises on how it'll go. When should I meet him?"

"Your father is holding a gala in November." her mother smiled and relaxed visibly. "He can't walk away from there, it's too important for him. Too many VIPs."

"So you're saying we're going to ambush him?"

The older woman snorted, which was something Leifang had never heard her do, making her give the older woman a strange look for a second. "Of course we do. That always works best with him." she gave a light shrug. "And I was thinking that maybe you could play the piano that night, if you want that is. I can let it be arranged in your father's name. Play whatever you want. Show him that your decision was the right one."

"That's..." Leifang couldn't help but smile now. "That's downright devious of you."

"You do remember my first meeting with him, right?"

The young woman laughed lightly and said "I'll think about playing the piano. I'll contact you."

"Alright."

Mother and daughter stood there in silence, the tension that had surrounded them dissipating little by little as they looked each other in the eyes.

"Where are you staying?" Leifang asked.

"I'm taking the next flight back tonight."

"I see..." they fell silent once more, not sure what to say now that everything had been said. Then an idea hit her. "Would you like me to show you around town? Maybe the place I'm working at?"

"Yes. I'd like that."

Hitomi arrived back home on the evening. The apartment was quiet. She was tired, her feet hurt and she yearned for another shower right now. But most important of all, and that had been on her mind the whole day, was how things have gone with Leifang and her mother.

She knew the Chinese was probably mad at her for going behind her back, but that was something that she was prepared for.

As she walked into the living room she found Leifang sitting on their sofa, facing the TV but watching nothing. She didn't say anything as she sat down beside her. Reaching out her hand to touch Leifang's she was glad when her girlfriend responded in kind and joined her hands together. Well that's a good sign I guess.

Leifang turned her head to face her and gave her a small smile. "Thanks." she said with a whisper.

Hitomi didn't really know how to respond to that so she just said "Anytime. You being happy is what's most important to me."

"I love you." Leifang said.

"I love you too." she leaned in to capture her lips with her own when Leifang let go of her hand, got up from the sofa and walked into kitchen, making Hitomi fall over a little.

"You're still going to sleep on the sofa tonight." Leifang called over her shoulder. "And take a shower."

The young Karateka closed her eyes and let her head hang in defeat. Guess she wasn't a good girl today.

Hitomi smiled in the direction of the kitchen, where she saw Leifang rummaging in the fridge with a much more alleviated air around her.

Worth it. Hitomi said to herself.

Now I just couldn't have Hitomi get away with this deception scott free, could I?Hmm? What that final song was? I leave it up to your imagination ;)
See you all next week.