Chapter Five

Mikan

I had an awesome first week. All because of these particular reasons;

Reason One: My boss was out of town.

Reason Two: My boss was nowhere to found in the Hyuuga House.

Reason Three: My boss was just nada.

After talking to me about the book that-shall-forever-will-not-be-read-in-the household, the next day he was just gone. The rest of the week was pure happiness not only because Mr. Arrogant-Ass is not around but because of Aoi. Aoi is such a great kid, we played with all of her toys, danced to pop music and sung songs.

One thing that was bothering for the entire week was the brown bear she always carried around. She never leaves it behind and won't let it go.

"Mikan! Stop staring blankly ahead and finish your pancakes." advice a pink haired lady.

I stopped and focused my attention to the pyramid of golden-delight. The food in the house was exceptional and I think I'll be big as the Eiffel tower after a month. I ate with gusto. "You know Anna, your pancakes should be included in the top 100 best things ever created in this world."

"Nonsense, my dear, it's just simple flour, egg and the usual recipe." she replied while casually preparing another serving for the other staff members.

"My pancake doesn't taste like these when I make them." I said. We looked at each other and both laughed. Anna knows how I'm hopeless when it comes to cooking. I told her on my first days that I couldn't even boil water.

"Did somebody say 'pancakes'?" said a voice that interrupted our laughter.

"Ruka! Good Morning! You're just in time for pancakes." I greeted. Ruka was the gardener. He plants these amazing flowers in the garden. My favorites were his red roses; I think it's simply divine, I mean where else can you find a rose that almost has the color of blood. Like his eyes. Woah! No. Where did that thought come from? Focus, Mikan! Enjoy your breakfast and you shouldn't be thinking about him.

"Good Morning to you too, Miss Sakura." he replied as he sat on one of the kitchen stool next to me. Anna then served him a plate of pancakes. "So, what's your agenda today with Aoi?"

"Stop calling me 'Miss Sakura' I told you 'Mikan' is fine. I was planning on strolling the garden with her and maybe helping plant flowers if you are to be persuaded enough to trust us with your garden."

"Definitely, I will love some help." he replied. "Mikan."

He beamed at me and I beamed back.

After that conversation, we became more animated with other topics. Anna joined once in a while and we continued to eat. Before leaving the table I managed to squeeze the question that was bothering.

"I just can't leave this table without asking this question." I stated to both Anna and Ruka. "I just can't."

"Ask then." said Anna as she blinked a few times.

"Well, I know you both have been here for some time already. I was wondering about Aoi." I said with a bit of uneasiness. "I want to know. Why she's always holding Mr. Bear?"

Both of them starred at each other then Anna looked at me.

"Mr. Bear as Aoi used to call the brown bear was a gift from her mom before the accident happened."

"Oh. I know about the accident. But what kind of accident exactly was the Hyuuga involved in?"

"Five years ago, It was Natsume's graduation day. It was a morning and Aoi was having breakfast here, she was watching a morning show. Then the news came up and showed a plane crash. Their parents were in the plane. The news was reporting about Mr. and Mrs. Hyuuga's situation, they were declared DOA." She solemnly told the story. "Poor Aoi, she was only five years old."

"So, if nothing physical happened to Aoi. Why can't she speak?"

"Doctor says it's because of the trauma of watching the whole accident play on."

After leaving the kitchen I was still shell-shocked. I went to Aoi's room and woke her.

"Aoi, dear." I whispered. I went to sit beside on her bed. "My dear..."

When she opened her eyes and positioned herself in a sitting position with the blanket. I opened my arms and got closer to her. I hugged her.

She didn't return my hug at first but went moments stilled, and then she accepted it. It was like she knew. I was sending her the message that I will be here always for her.

"You know, Mikan" said Ruka.

"What?" I asked. We were in the garden planting a new rose bush. The sun was setting already and we were almost finished.

"You should just take my job. You're good with this, so goes with Aoi. Just take my job, the both of you." Ruka told us.

"Well, we might just take your offer." I replied with a giggle."Right, Aoi?"

Aoi nodded with a big radiant smile plastered in her face.

"But wait, Aoi is only eight years old. So, if you would hire her you might be sued for hiring a minor." I told Ruka jokingly.

Ruka laughed then Aoi and I followed with the sound of giggles.

When we left Aoi's bedroom that morning, we both had an understanding that we both shall do our best effort to make the rest of the day, the best day ever. As we continued to plant rose seeds, I had an idea for a fun activity.

"Aoi, would you like to swim tomorrow?" I asked her.

Again she nodded enthusiastically.

"We shall swim tomorrow then."

"Did you know that Mr. Hyuuga will be coming back tomorrow, Mikan?" asked Anna when dinner was almost over that night.

And just like that the best day was over.

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