Confession 5
It has been a long time since the last update. So long that I changed my name. Mazaki-sensei is now Karin Mazaki.
I hesitated in writing this. What a heavy responsibility to please so many people. To write the ending one hopes for in this story. I got half way through and got stuck. Some things got moved around and now the flow is better. But it also meant the fourth chapter was slightly changed.
Keep in mind this story has taken its own path. I followed along as this "Ren" and "Kyoko" did their thing. I haven't read Skip Beat since I started. Consider it my punishment for keeping you waiting. So I still don't know what has happen to the real ones. I get to find out now, so no spoilers. As it is I'm still at chapter 215 and that is where this story begins and it went from there. And here we are at the end. 15 pages in all. I hope it's worth the wait.
I stole from Cinderella (the original Disney cartoon) and the movie "Groundhog Day".
rk
After the announcement about their engagement, they became the "it" couple. For a while, they couldn't go anywhere unrecognized. The young people wanted to enjoy being young. Trips to Ikebukuro were limited to times when they could slip into the crowd and disappear. But they would get recognized anyway, with some autographs signed and photos snapped. Reality would set in too. The grown up stuff for their future, apartment hunting, doctor visits, dress fittings and ring sizing. It was both exciting and exhausting.
Together they found their new home. A high rise apartment with vaulted ceilings and cabinets down to earth. The floor to ceiling windows faced south to avoid the boiling hot sun of early morning or late evening. Some of Ren's furniture was kept but Kyoko put her foot down against anything too large. They chose a new bed. Ren was sorry to give up the old one but he realized he would want his wife close to him. They already knew the nightmares stayed away when he held her.
It was a building with the best security as well. Many very important people lived there and one had to be at a certain level to even ask about the apartments. The lease was in Ren's name with the understanding that he would be joined by a bride soon.
"I wish you would let me contribute." Said Kyoko.
"Why? You're going to stop feeding me?" Teased Ren.
"I just…"
"Feed me, take care of me, keep the nightmares away, and love me. That is how you will contribute to us, to our family."
"Family?"
"You're my family."
Kyoko blushed.
"You're pretty cute too." Continued Ren.
"Kuon."
"We got a deal?"
"Yeah."
"It will do for now." Smiled Ren.
"And later?"
"Later. I will become Mr. Kyoko. Your husband."
"Idiot." Kyoko laughed.
"What? I happen to think my bride to be has more talent in her little pinky than my whole body."
Kyoko laughed and thanked her lucky stars she met Ren Tsuruga.
Months past and an interesting event happened. What happened could only have been Lory's doing. Ren and Kyoko were asked to do a commercial together along with Kanae. Mr. Yashiro was on duty and Kanae made her appearance. The maid of honor and the best man were formally introduced. The actors all had their evenings free. Almost like Lory was saying: "Have fun, wedding party." After all, the young couple refused to have all of the usual parties leading up to the wedding. This was an opportunity for the girls and boys to talk things over and really get to know one another. Therefore, Ren invited them back to his new apartment.
"Mr. Yashiro how did you get roped into this?" Asked Kanae during the evening.
"Ren said I was the first to recognize his feelings before even he did. It is true I did my best to push them together." Said Yashiro with a smile.
"I see…You still call him 'Ren'?" Teased Kanae.
"I can't get used to it. He's so much more important of a person than I realized."
"I know what you mean."
"You don't seem like the wedding party type, so, how did she rope you into it?"
"That girl begged and promised I wouldn't have to do anything but hold her flowers at the wedding. Then she hit me with her puppy eyes of doom. I managed to find a pretty pink dress. So, I guess I'll do it, for her. They deserve it."
"They do indeed."
rk
On November 30th, as promised, Ren's parents arrived in town. Ren could only spare time to pick them up and drop them off at the new apartment. This was alright as they would be busy with their own plans as well as helping with their kids plans. That night they met as a family to finalize the wedding plans. Kyoko met them at a private room at one of the best restaurants in town.
"Sounds like everything is set." Said Julie.
"For the most part. I still have dress fittings. Nothing more to do until my birthday party." Said Kyoko.
"That idiot is really doing it?" Asked Julie.
"President is repeating the same party as last year." Said Kyoko
"Who are we kidding? It is going to be even more elaborate." Said Ren.
"True. First up an over the top birthday party for his granddaughter. Then at midnight, I turn eighteen and there is going to be cameras to capture the moment when my fiancé gives me my present. All as a show for President Lory and his company. My friends refused to come. They were overwhelmed last year and they say as they are going to my wedding three days later. It will be much simpler and smaller. Just the people we care about." Said Kyoko.
"Many people who call me their friend are going to President's party but not ours and vice versa." Said Ren.
"Funny how it worked out." Said Kuu.
"We are the only people who are going to both parties." Said Julie.
rk
Before they knew it, it was the 24th of December. Julie Hizuri bought Kyoko her dress for the party, as a wedding present. Kyoko bought her actual wedding gown for the 28th but the second gown was chosen for her birthday. Or a better word for it was costume. Cinderella was going to the ball and Ren was going dressed as Prince Charming. It was all because the dress, when Kyoko put in on looked so much like the one from the Disney cartoon, she had to have it. Ren was delighted to play along as fulfilling one of Kyoko's wishes.
When Lory heard of their plans, he was smiling from ear to ear. Lory came up with a new plan for the birthday presentation. He would dress as the King and introduce Kyoko to Ren to the party goers and they will dance for the cameras. Then on the stroke of midnight Cinderella doesn't lose her shoe, she receives her present instead. There was rehearsals and part of the surprise was spoiled. Kyoko knows she is getting a necklace as the practiced putting a fake on. So that Ren would not fumble the clasp. That was not in the script.
Maria was bouncing off the walls during her birthday. Kyoko and Ren had to go everywhere with her. She seemed to have forgotten she wanted to marry Ren herself.
"Geeze, I'm not a little kid anymore." Maria rolled her eyes.
In the end she gave up on Ren because she loves Kyoko and if it was anyone else, she would have never had allowed it. Besides when she saw them together. She never saw two people more in love. She didn't have the heart. Therefore, they had to come to her party and she was going to theirs.
Shortly before midnight, the cameras turned to Lory who was dressed as the King, complete with bald head and white mustache. He wore a military dress uniform straight out of 19th century Europe. On his arm was Kyoko in a floor length gown. It had poufy cap sleeves, a tight bodice and the skirts swirled around her. The dress Julie found was slightly altered to look even more like Cinderella's dress. Two poofs rested on her waist and the costume department made her "glass" slippers to size. She also wore elbow length gloves. Jelly Woods pulled her hair back into bun and she wore a headband in her hair. Ms. Woods placed false eyelashes on her eyes and she had red lips. Ren came forward and claimed her hand. He was dressed exactly like the Prince from the movie, a complete military style outfit with sword, medals and white gloves. They danced and whirled around the floor. Ren and Kyoko had lessons from the studio months ago, so the dancing was natural to them. They danced to the center and exactly at midnight, a gong was sounded. Ren bowed and kissed her hand. Kyoko was beaming, many of her princess dreams were coming true. The "King" approached with her gift. "Prince Charming" presented it to "Cinderella". Kyoko opened the gift and gasped. She was genuinely shocked and the cameras captured the moment. Lory and Ren were both overjoyed by her reaction for completely different reasons.
"Happy eighteenth birthday, Sweetheart." Said Ren with a look of adoration on his face.
"Thank you, Kuon."
Inside the box was a strand of perfectly matched pearls. Ren lifted the necklace off the velvet case and placed it around her neck. Kyoko was overwhelmed. It was her new favorite thing in the world. She went on her tip-toes and kissed her fiancé on the cheek. Lory was pleased. It was television gold. The music resumed and many couples joined them on the floor, among them, Ren's parents. And Maria danced with her father. In the corner, Ms. Woods removed the wig and make-up from her boss, while he crowed about his success.
An hour later, Ren returned his fiancée to her house, minus the necklace as the new apartment had a safe. Kyoko kissed him goodnight, this time on the lips.
rk
The next morning they met for the last time as single people. Kyoko was eighteen and it was time to visit the registrar office. Ren and his parents picked her up. Kyoko wore a pretty pink dress with long sleeves and knee length skirt. Ren wore a suit and his parents were also dressed up. Perhaps they were a bit too dressy for filing paperwork but they were also meeting the Judge who is to marry them.
They found their way to the registrar office and filled out the forms. Kyoko's proof of age and family register was examined and accepted. Ren presented a different problem. Born in the US, and listed on his grandfather's family tree made things complicated. The head of the department was called and he was listed as a foreign born man of Japanese descent. His identity properly recognized by the Japanese government. The documents were stamped and signed and Kyoko was officially Ren's wife.
"Welcome to the family my dear." Said Kuu with a kiss to her cheek.
"Thank you, I'm so happy."
Ren and Julie were all smiles as well. They had just enough time to meet with the judge. The judge welcomed them into his office. He shook hands all around and asked them to sit. He looked over the documents and said:
"Yes a western style wedding is for the best. Your Japanese blood is too diluted to be acceptable by most Japanese citizens. There is also your place of birth, foreign upbringing, and religious background to consider. Young man, do you consider yourself a Japanese man or an American?"
"An American living and working in my father's country."
"I see. Then that is how we will approach it. A simple western style wedding."
They spent a few minutes finalizing the details. Then the Judge led the way down the hall to the Chapel. It was a small but pretty room with stained glass rose window. The room was designed to accommodate persons of any faith and could be adjusted for any taste. Ren and Kyoko chose an arch with white ribbons, red roses and babies-breath weaved through it. The arch was already fixed in place. The couple approved of the decorations and the simple ceremony. Soon the Judge was showing them out and the foursome left the building.
Outside was Mr. Yashiro wanting for Ren. He greeted Kyoko as Mrs. Hizuri and she giggled. Ren and Mr. Yashiro had to leave for the airport immediately as Ren had a job in Hokkaido. Husband and wife kissed goodbye on the steps of the courthouse and drew stares. Kyoko stood and watched Ren leave with a sigh. According to Japanese law they were married for an hour and he was already gone. Ren was due to return the night before the ceremony. Kyoko sighed again.
"Cheer up my dear. You will be too busy these next couple of days to worry about Kuon." Said Kuu.
"You're right. I have to get to work."
"We all have work to do."
Kuu was busy with his own projects while in town. They were also going to house sit during the New Year's break. Julie loved to decorate like most ladies of leisure. She planned to oversee the move of Kyoko's things, set them up and put her clothes away. Ren was already in the apartment but many of his things were still boxed up. Julie was going to be busy with decorating and shopping for the two weeks they are away. The plans were all going smoothly and Kyoko felt like her life was finally starting.
rk
The days flew by and Ren returned home safely. He and Kyoko talked for three hours that night before going to bed.
The next morning Kyoko woke up in her room for the last time. She made sure everything was packed. Kuu arranged for her things to be delivered to the apartment. She was leaving the furniture behind, so there was only a few boxes. She checked her drawers and closet one last time. She tidied away the futon and arranged the boxes on one side of the room. Then she picked up her suitcase and bags and left without looking back. Downstairs she found the missus and gave her a gift now that she was leaving. They promised to come to the reception and Kyoko promised to visit. Ren arrived and the chauffeur picked up her suitcase and stored it in the trunk. Kyoko entered the limo and the wedding party was complete.
In the limo was Ren's parents, Mr. Yashiro and Kanae. Ren chose the flowers as he learned their meaning for a part he once played. The men had matching boutonnieres of a single red rose hugged by babies-breath. Ren said red roses were a traditional symbol of love. Julie was wearing a corsage of three rose buds and babies-breath. Three is a lucky number and Julie's favorite people been increased by one. Kanae was holding a bouquet of red chrysanthemums instead of roses. Ren chose these flowers for her as they symbolized truth and friendship and therefore, suited her perfectly. Ren handed his bride her bouquet of white and red roses. The white symbolized Kyoko's purity and the red her love.
Soon they were at the courthouse. At the door they met Lory, Maria and Ms. Woods hovering in the background. The party now complete they headed toward the chapel. To one side was a changing rooms the men hung up their coats in one room and then chatted together in the hallway. Since Kanae chose a pink dress, Yashiro and Ren wore pink vests with their gray suits. Both of the men owned the suits already, which saved them some time and money. Julie wore blue dress and Kuu wore a midnight blue suit. Lory wore a black suit with a red vest and Ren handed him a boutonniere and he pinned it in place. The men all knew each other and chatted happily until the ladies came out.
The ladies hung up their coats and fluffed out their dresses. Maria was wearing a pretty red dress and twirled around as she chatted with the women. Julie pinned on a small corsage of rose buds on her to symbolize her youth. The flowers delighted Maria to no end. Jelly Woods was Lory's date but also insisted on fixing Kyoko's hair and makeup. She was wearing a black suit with a red top to match both Maria and Lory. Julie handed her corsage of a red rose and babies-breath. She refreshed Kyoko's makeup and added a bit more so it would show better in the photographs. The photographer Lory hired was already at the chapel. The wedding photos were for private use of the couple and everyone in the party will get copies. The photos of the reception however was for Lory and the publicity team. Lory thought it was a great joke on the public who did not know the wedding was today. Lory promised to not release the photos until after they left for Okinawa.
Kyoko stood back from the mirror, pleased with how she looked. The ladies all complemented how nice she looked. She wore her hair in her normal bob and a shoulder length veil flowed down the back of her head and framed her face and hair. Jelly Woods placed a small tiara to hold the veil in place. She wore a tea length, white lace gown with long sleeves. The neckline touched her collarbone and Julie placed her new pearl choker necklace around her neck. Ren retrieved the necklace from the safe just before they entered the limo and entrusted it with his mother. White pumps completed the look. The ladies made sure they were put together and with Kyoko leading the way, they left the room.
A hush fell over the men as they came out. The men all complemented her and Kyoko blushed. She looked like the ideal virgin bride. Ren took her hand and kissed it.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you."
Ren held out his arm and she took it. They led the short walk to the chapel. They were followed by Kanae and Yashiro, Ren's parents and Lory's party. The photographer snapped a picture as they met the judge. The judge opened the doors to the chapel and led the way in. The wedding party, including little Maria, spoke English and knew Western culture. Which was lucky as the wedding was performed in English as the words lost some meaning translated into Japanese. As foreign born persons used the chapel it was simpler to have everything in English. They quickly took their places. Ren and Kyoko stood under the arch with the judge. Kanae stood to Kyoko's left holding her bouquet. Yashiro stood to Ren's right with the ring box. Ren's parents sat behind him on golden chairs. Lory, Maria and Woods sat behind Kyoko. The photographer discretely snapped pictures. The sun came out and shined through the rose window, bathing the whole room with a pink glow.
The judge picked up a book that contained the ceremony. They chose the simplest of ceremonies. Julie explain that the basic western ceremony was little more than the exchange of vows by the couple. The Judge began:
"Dearly beloved, we gather together today to witness the marriage of Kuon and Kyoko. Two young people blessed with love and the loving wishes of those gathered here. They enter into marriage of mutual trust and care. To join together in the start a new chapter of their lives."
He paused here to instruct them to join hands. The judge turned to Kyoko first.
"Kyoko do you take this man to have and to hold, to love and cherish from this day forward?"
"I do."
The judge turned to Ren.
"Kuon do you take this woman to have and to hold, to love and cherish, from this day forward?"
"I do."
Yashiro stepped forward and presented the rings. The Judge nodded to Ren. Ren shivered as he picked up the smaller of the two rings. The Judge said:
"Repeat after me: "With this ring I thee wed."
Ren repeated the words as he slipped the ring on Kyoko's finger. Kyoko watched as the ring fitted next to her engagement ring. She realized he was a married woman. She shared a grin of happiness with her husband. Ren kissed her ring finger and the judge repeated the ceremony with Kyoko. She felt a bubble of excitement as she slipped the gold band on Ren's finger. Ren could breathe again. It finally happened. He was married to Kyoko. They were surrounded by a glow of happiness and love. The judge completed the ceremony.
"With the power vested in me by the city of Tokyo, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The judge took a half step back and the bride and groom kissed. Everyone stood and clapped. They broke the kiss and the judge stepped forward.
"I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Hizuri."
There was more clapping and the wedding party went forward to congratulate them. Kyoko got kissed on the cheek and Ren almost got his arm shook off. Kanae handed Kyoko's bouquet back to her and breathed a sigh as her job was over. Yashiro completed his job as best man by slipping the judge his payment for the services and he in turn shooed the party out. All too soon they were back on the street. They all felt a little dazed. Western weddings in its simplest form was very short. They were a little startled to be back in the dull sunshine of winter. The reality set in they were married and no one but their party knew of it. It made them a bit giddy. The photographer snapped a picture that would become their main wedding photo and take the prized spot on the mantel. Ren and Kyoko, looking breathless at each other. Overcoats thrown over their wedding clothes and puffs of winter air coming out of their mouths. The weak sun came out and touched them just enough to give them a bit of a glow. A moment of calm before the party.
The reception was at a restaurant from eleven to five. Things were arranged so their friends could float in and out in between jobs. Most people came in, shook the couple's hands, grabbed some food, and left a small gift or envelope of money. At three, the couple cut the cake and fed it to each other. Just before four, the bride retrieved a bag from the limo and changed into her going away outfit which was a white suit and the pearl necklace Ren gave her on their first date. Ren changed out his pink vest and wore a simple white button down open at the neck. Julie took charge of her wedding clothes as promised. The single ladies, except Kanae, gathered together to try to catch the bouquet. Chiori caught it to her surprise and the happy couple left for the airport.
In the limo the newlyweds sighed with relief. It was done at last. They clasp hands and Kyoko rested her head on Ren's shoulder. All they had to do was get to the airport on time. There was several capable people left behind to deal with the restaurant, so they had no more duties left.
They arrived at the airport on time. Ren checked several times that he had the tickets and all. The chauffeur was paid after their bags were placed on a trolley. They moved through check in and security swiftly as Ren made use of his VIP status. For this special occasion, he rented a private jet. Kyoko grinned as they moved through the airport, airport personnel pushed their luggage behind them.
"Hold on to your hat my dear wife. We are going first class all the way."
Kyoko grinned at being called "wife" by her gorgeous husband. Ren was true to his word. Ren always wanted to travel by private jet and stay in a luxury hotel suite. To be sure, his parents are well off and he's stayed in top hotels as a child. As a celebrity he's flown first class but he never gone with the highest level of luxury. But if he was going to go all out, what better time than on his honeymoon. Kyoko naturally never had and when Ren suggested going for it, the chance she was going to say no was zero. There was a few ideas of her own she read about in magazines.
They relaxed in the lounge and were served drinks and snacks until the plane was ready. They were escorted to the plane and were made comfortable. A cushion for their heads, a blanket for the cold, and eye shades for a nap. They ate lightly as they will have dinner as soon as they arrive at the hotel. They had an uneventful trip to Okinawa, was picked up by the limo driver, and arrived at the hotel. They check in and are greeted by the valet Ren hired for honeymoon.
"Welcome to Okinawa. I'm Ito, I'll be looking after you this week. Will you be going to your room or having dinner?"
Kyoko's stomach answered for them.
"We will go into the restaurant, if you will look after our things."
"I will put everything away and turn down the bed. Will you be needing anything else?"
"No I believe we will go straight to bed."
"Very well. In the morning call for room service and the call will be redirected to me."
The valet bowed as they walked to the restaurant. Ren pulled her arm through his and escorted her into the restaurant. The maître d'hôtel held their reservation. The newlyweds were shown a private booth. Kyoko wondered why they weren't bothered as half of the guests had to be Japanese and Lory released the news of their marriage an hour before they landed. Ren explained it was a five star hotel. Everyone in the room was important themselves. A few people nodded to them as they recognized them from the entertainment news.
It was late by the time they went to the room. The newlyweds were like 40% of all couples and went straight to bed. Kyoko was cuddled in her husband's arms, when Ren got sentimental. He stroked her hair. She mumbled and snuggled closer. He smiled and said:
"The first time I saw you, something happened to me. I wanted to hold you as hard as I could and never let go. I don't deserve someone like you. But you took a chance on me, loved me and if you are willing to keep on holding me. I swear I will love you for the rest of my life."
Ren smiled and kissed her forehead. He finally said it. It mattered not that she didn't hear it because it was a promise he made to the universe. A vow to keep until death parts them. Contented with his vow spoken out loud, he slipped off to sleep.
The next morning a marriage is consummated and love confirmed. The honeymoon commenced. The hotel had a policy to not disturb couples on honeymoon. Their personal valet came when called with the breakfast they ordered, saw to their clothes and arranged for their first tour. He was kind of concierges and maid in one. Their two weeks of escaping reality. Their enormous work load Lory will have for them upon return, does not exist. Okinawa, beautiful beaches, Japanese history, and Pacific wars. Kyoko didn't want to do the boring bits but Ren talked her into spending an hour in historic landmarks for the sake of her craft.
"Life experiences will improve your acting skills, Kyoko."
She thought for a minute and said:
"I do have that history test about a week after we get back. Think it would help?" Teased Kyoko.
"Couldn't hurt." Smiled Ren.
As it turned out, the boring bits weren't so boring with Ren. And Ren learned there is value in spending the entire day lounging on the beach. They simply had a wonderful time. Beautiful days, romantic nights, and waited on hand and foot. What more can young honeymooners want?
rk
All too soon they were back. Back to dinner with the folks. Work, school, settling in their new home. New routines, manners and the silliness of bumping into each other as they brush their teeth in the morning. And so life goes on.
Six years later.
Ren sat on the bed next to his wife and kissed her forehead.
"You did a wonderful job, beautiful."
"No, I'm not the beautiful one, he is."
Kyoko cuddled her baby. Ren stroked the fuzz of black hair.
"He's got your nose." Said Kyoko as she gently stroked the newborn's nose.
"He's got your sweet mouth."
The couple gushed over their son as a nurse puttered in the background.
Then there was a knock on the hospital door just before it opened. Julie walked in first and stopped at the charming sight of her children and grandchild, the family cuddled together on the bed. Kuu marched in after. He rushed over and was handed his grandson. He marveled at the tiny being.
"Julie, come look, he has your eyes!"
Julie rushed over and took the baby and fell in instant love. He indeed had her eyes. There was a bit of everyone in the little boy.
"Oh…he's beautiful!"
"Of course, he has my genes after all." Said Kuu.
"So what is his name?" Asked Julie and the grandparents held their breath.
Kyoko and Ren shared a look, grinned and said it together:
"Julian."
Julie's eyes widened.
"You named him after me?"
"Yeah, we like your name, Mom. Julian is the masculine form." Said Kyoko.
"A strong name for a strong, healthy boy." Stated Kuu.
"Thank you." Whispered Julie. She started to cry on the baby and Ren rescued him. Kuu placed an arm around her shoulders and hugged her.
"Her baby was torn away from her and a new one has arrived. Is that your thinking?" Asked Kuu.
The young couple nodded.
"We might have to stay a while and babysit." Said Julie.
"I was counting on it, Mom." Said Kyoko. "Lory gave me two months off to figure out this baby care thing. But it would go so much easier with your help."
"Of course. We're family after all. Let me have my namesake. You're dead tired my dear girl. Take a nap. We're be here when you wake up."
Kyoko's eyes were trying to close during this whole conversation. She gratefully closed her eyes. She had nothing to fear, she was surrounded by loving family. Kyoko slipped off to sleep. Julie carried the baby over to a rocking chair and cuddled him. Her husband and son flanked her as she started to hum a lullaby. Kuu patted Ren on the shoulder, as to say "Well done, Son". Ren grinned. Life is good.
rk
Thank you, Karin.