Dun dun dun dunnn... .
Chapter 43: Sudden Trip
"All packed up?" Takumi asked.
Misaki nodded. "This is my hospital bag in case the baby comes this weekend."
"It's okay if it does," Takumi said. "We have a back up plan."
If they baby did come when they were away, the city had a hospital they were going to go to. It was only a half hour drive away from their hotel. But also because the traffic that was going to be crazy this weekend because of the event, they were checking into their hotel room early and checking out late to beat the traffic and then letting the chaos drive out first.
"I don't think it's going to come this weekend," Misaki said.
Takumi collapsed on their bed. "It could literally come any minute now," he muttered. "I swear if anything-"
"Don't jinx it," Misaki teased. "It's like a weekend trip. The hotel room is really nice and we'll be comfortable."
"Not as comfortable as our home would be," Takumi pointed out. "Labor could take hours and hours. It's not like the movies where it happens in like 30 minutes. You could be in labor for two whole days for all we know."
"Don't remind me," Misaki muttered. "I'm really nervous..."
"Sorry," Takumi said, sitting up and taking her hand. "I didn't mean to make you worry. I'm just stressed out."
"At least we're in this together right?" Misaki said, trying to sooth her husband. "Except I'm going to be doing most of the work."
"I'm going to be with you every step of the way," Takumi promised. "There's nothing to worry about."
Misaki nodded and shut her suitcase. "Let's hit the road then."
The two hour car ride wasn't that bad. Recently, Takumi got her a new car which was more of a family car instead of a sports car. It had more leg room and was very comfortable. The windows were tinted so people couldn't see in which Misaki thought was pretty cool. They were driving there by themselves but their driver was meeting them there and then driving them around the city.
"How are you feeling?" Takumi asked. "Do you want me to stop at a rest stop?"
Misaki shook her head. "I'm fine," she said, feeling her daughter kick. "How many reporters are going to be there?"
"Probably a lot," Takumi said. "But since there are other guests, they have to keep their distance. I also have security for you."
"You got me a body guard?" Misaki asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Three to be exact."
"Is that really necessary?"
Takumi nodded. "They're crazy," he told her. "The last thing I need is some over enthusiastic reporter trying to push ahead, bumping into you and then causing you to go into labor early. I told Grandfather, I need at least a five feet radius around you."
"It's like you don't want me to get assassinated," Misaki laughed. "But I won't argue. I don't know how to talk to the press nor do I want to learn."
"Honestly," Takumi said. "I just want to get this done and over with so we can go home and have our baby."
"You're going to get premature gray hairs," Misaki pointed out. "You're worrying too much."
"Can I take pictures?" Takumi asked, winking at her. "Or take a video?"
"Of what?!"
"I don't know, you giving birth?"
"NO!" Misaki exclaimed, blushing. "You can take all the pictures and videos after the baby is born and I've regained some sanity."
"You don't want to remember the first time having a child?"
"I don't want you to remember," Misaki corrected him. "I read my guide book. It is NOT a pretty sight. Childbirth is about as magical as hell is."
Takumi chuckled. "I love you," he said.
The hotel they were staying at was very nice. The reception and press interviews were taking place downstairs so then Misaki didn't have to travel as much.
"Oh good," Misaki said, throwing their hotel door open. "Bathroom!"
Misaki got herself situated and Takumi ordered room service.
"Do you want a snack?" Takumi asked, pulling out a bag of pretzels and chex mix.
"How much stuff did you bring?" Misaki asked, taking the bag of chex mix.
"All the baby's stuff like car seat, clothes, diapers, blankets and for you, snacks, hospital bag, extra clothes, my guide books, blankets, pillows."
"You brought my blanket...?" Misaki asked.
"I don't know," Takumi said. "Maybe you'll feel more comfortable if the stuff around you was more familiar."
Misaki winced. "Braxton hick," she said when Takumi was ready to have a heart attack.
"Lie down," Takumi said, guiding her to the bed. "Here have some water," he added, uncapping a water bottle for her.
"Thanks," Misaki said, chugging half the water bottle.
"Here, lean back," Takumi coaxed, fluffing up the pillows. "Watch TV or take a nap," he said. "Dinner will be up in a few minutes though."
"Let's watch a movie then," Misaki suggested, flipping through the channels.
It was some chick flick that Misaki hadn't seen before but it was pretty funny so they watched it until room service came.
"Don't move," Takumi said, going to answer the door.
A few moments later, he returned with a silver cart. "I got us steak, potatoes and corn on a cob," Takumi said, setting everything up on the table. "There's also a fruit salad and two slices of cheese cake."
"Can I get up now?"
"Would you rather eat in bed?"
"No," Misaki said, slowly sliding out of bed.
Takumi set up everything on the table and they ate while watching TV.
"Do I have to say anything tomorrow?" Misaki asked, between bites of potato.
"Not if you don't want to," Takumi reassured her.
"Okay..." Misaki wiped her mouth. "Takumi?"
"Yes, darling,"
"Don't take this the wrong way but...I feel a little nauseous."
"Is it the food?" Takumi asked, getting up. "I'll open a window. Maybe it was the long car ride," he added.
Misaki inhaled the crisp air and felt better. "I just feel stuffy," Misaki explained. "Like sluggish and just uncomfortable."
"That's why I wanted you to be at home," Takumi muttered to himself. "Stupid hotels..."
"What?"
"Nothing, beautiful," Takumi said, picking up a magazine and fanning his wife. "Why don't you go take a cool shower?"
"I just want to go to sleep," Misaki complained. "Ugh," she said, covering her mouth.
Takumi helped her to the bathroom where Misaki splashed her face with ice cold water. He went out and cleared the food away and continued leave the windows open. "Here, I'll help you shower," he offered.
Misaki looked away, blushing.
"Oh come on," Takumi said, poking her in the shoulder. "My intentions are purely good. I'll draw you a bath instead," he offered, turning on the taps. "I'm going to make the water warm so then you'll feel less stuffy." Takumi swirled his hand around in the water. "It's perfect," he decided. "You going to get in? I won't look."
Misaki hugged Takumi. "Sometimes you really are a good person, Takumi Walker," she said, softly.
"Thanks," Takumi said, smiling. "You're not so bad yourself- Oh dear," Takumi said. "Tears."
"You're always so good to me," Misaki said, rubbing her eyes. "And I don't always appreciate it. I always get caught up with my business and neglect you. I feel so awful-"
"You appreciate me plenty," Takumi soothed, smoothing her hair and pinning it up for her. "You're neglecting your bath right now," he added. "You'll feel a lot better," he promised.
Misaki wiped her eyes and got undressed. Takumi changed into a pair of shorts and kneeled by the tub. "Lean over here," he said. "I'll rub your shoulders."
Misaki placed a hand on her stomach. "Our daughter is lucky to have a dad like you," she decided. "You'll always be there for her, I know you will."
"I wouldn't dream to miss a single moment," Takumi said. "I never really had a family. This baby will be the closest family I have ever had. Family by blood, I mean. You're still my favorite."
"Uh...thanks?" Misaki muttered. She stretched her legs out in the large tub. "I think I feel better."
"You think?"
"I DO feel better," Misaki corrected. "You're the best husband ever," she added, messing up his hair. "Now, stop worrying."
Misaki was dressed in a formal maternity dress. It was a deep purple chiffon with a cream ribbon under the bust. It was still conservative though. The straps weren't too thin nor was it too low cut or short.
"Very sophisticated," Takumi said, watching Misaki pin up her curls.
"Is this not dressy enough?" she asked, spraying on a little perfume.
"You're perfect," Takumi said, tying his tie. "Did you bring your wedding ring?"
"I brought it," Misaki said. "It's in the box in my purse but it doesn't fit anymore."
At the end of her pregnancy, her fingers were swelling a little and the rings didn't fit. Misaki just had to wait until she had the baby and everything about her returned to normal. Takumi got the box and took out the ring.
"I still remember buying you this ring," Takumi said, studying it.
"Yes," Misaki agreed. "You and your overly lavish gifts."
"Hardly," Takumi said, stringing it on a white gold chain. "I needed a ring to match your beauty," he said, clasping it around her neck.
"I'm really nervous," Misaki said, straightening Takumi's lapels.
"Don't worry about it," Takumi said. "It's just a quick dinner with my crazy tycoon family."
"Right..."
They were driven to a fancy restaurant and shown to a private room.
"Grandfather," Takumi greeted.
"Takumi," Grandfather said, shaking his hand.
"Grandfather," Misaki said, bobbing her head.
"Misaki," Grandfather said, shaking her hand. "It's been a while since I've seen you. I hope you are doing well."
"I am," Misaki said. "I hope you are too."
Grandfather nodded. "Sit sit, get to know the family."
"Gerard," Misaki said.
"Hello Misaki," Gerard said, smiling. "Glad to hear that you and your fetus are well."
"Thank you..." Who the hell says "fetus"?!
At the table was, Grandfather, Edward, George and an Aunt of Takumi and Gerard.
Conversation was also very tiring. Misaki had to keep maintaining this very formal tone and attitude.
"So, about tomorrow," Grandfather said. "I would like to introduce your daughter as your heir."
"Grandfather," Takumi said. "Isn't it a little early? She's not even born yet."
"If you want to wait for a son, that's alright too."
"That's not what I meant… I just don't want to put that kind of pressure on her."
"Fine," Grandfather said, surprisingly agreeable. "I'll just welcome my great grandchild into the family then."
"Thank you, Grandfather," Takumi replied.
"I've lived a long life," Grandfather said, nodding. "How many people live to see their great grandchildren? I can feel it," he said, gripping his walking cane. "My days are limited. It won't be long now."
"Grandfather," Gerard said.
Grandfather shook his head. "Misaki?"
"Yes?" Misaki asked, placing her napkin on the table and slowly walking over.
"I had my doubts," Grandfather said, patting her wrist. "But I see you now and I understand. Welcome to the family, Misaki Walker."
Misaki was at a loss of words. "Uh… T-thank you, Grandfather," she said.
"They say children soften a normal man's heart but grandchildren will completely win him over," Grandfather said. He gently placed his frail hand on her stomach. "They never said anything about great grandchildren… Take care of Takumi, will you?"
"I will," Misaki promised. "I'll protect him always and keep him safe."
"I guess I'll be depending on you then," Takumi whispered as she sat back down.
"Haven't you always?"
"You're always right."
Dinner went very smoothly. They had a light dessert and then returned to their luxurious hotel rooms for the night. Misaki felt like everything was just going too smoothly- then again, if everything wanted to run smoothly, she was okay with that.
"Ready for tomorrow?" Takumi asked, rubbing his wet hair with a towel.
"No," Misaki said, snuggling back into the pillows. "I don't want to mess up and embarrass you."
"You'd never embarrass me," Takumi replied, pulling the blanket over them. "Stop worrying," he teased, poking her forehead. "You'll get premature wrinkles," he quoted. "Remember?"
"Would you still love me when I'm old and wrinkly?"
"And if you were fat and ugly too. I'd still love you just as much."
Misaki face palmed. "How kind of you,"
"I'm kidding," Takumi said, wrapping an arm around her and resting his head against her shoulder. "You'll always be youthful and beautiful in my eyes."
"Yeah right, I feel old," Misaki muttered. "I'm going to be a mom… That's crazy."
Takumi snorted. "I think it's about time we had a baby," he teased, lightly. "I want even more children. I want a houseful of them-"
"One at a time!" Misaki laughed. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves…" she muttered. "Let's just survive tomorrow first."
Misaki decided surviving wasn't going to be so easy. She stood before a the full length mirror in her fancy dress. There was an underdress that was a simple strapless very pale purple knee length dress but then it had a lace dress over it. The sleeves were three quarters and completely made of this shimmery lace. It was a silvery metallic color that went well with the purple. Over her large protruding stomach was a silver ribbon tied into a bow and on her feet were silver heels with lots of straps. To finish the look, Misaki wore large dangling earrings and left her hair down.
"I look really fat in this dress," Misaki cringed.
"Well, you are basically 9 months pregnant," Takumi reminded her. "I'm sure everyone will understand."
"And pictures will be everywhere," Misaki added.
They took the elevator and went down to the huge ballroom that they rented out for the event. Misaki kept her arm looped with Takumi's. Walking in high heels and not being able to see your feet at the same time was rather troublesome. Takumi adjusted to her slow walking pace as they headed to the buzzing ballroom.
"You ready?" Takumi asked as they stood by the door. Misaki could hear all the loud talking inside.
"How many people do you think will be there?" she asked.
"Not that much…" Takumi's voice trailed off as the butler opened the large double doors.
Misaki kept a composed face but her eyes widened slightly as she took in the huge crowd in the ballroom. Not that much? There had to be hundreds of people all crammed into the room.
The worst part was they all stopped talking and looked over to Misaki and Takumi. The room went silent as they walked in. Misaki could only hear two things. Her shoes clicking against the marble floor and her heart pounding…