Ch. 2

On the train Kotoko could not help but think about the time she left Tokyo. 'I can't believe I'm headed back after all these years,' she thought as she stared out the window. Her six year old daughter, Ayu, had fallen asleep an hour ago, while her son was reading a book.

Her son finally noticing that his mother was looking at him and looked up from his book. "Mom are you okay?" asked her nine year son, Yuga.

"Nothing sweaty, I was just wondering about the book you were reading," said Kotoko. Yuga knew that wasn't the truth, he knew his mother was nervous about going back to her old city. Yuga was really smart for a nine year old, and had figured out that his father was not his birth father.

While during one of Yuki's visits, Yuga had noticed that the two of them had some similarities. Knowing Yuki was a little too young to be his father, there was another way he could be related. One day while the two were walking through the park, Yuga finally asked if Yuki was his uncle.

"Well I guess in a way even though I'm pretty young, I'm kind of like your uncle," said Yuki a little nervous.

"No I mean are we related by blood?" asked Yuga looking serious for a seven year old.

Yuki took a deep breath, "Yeah, Yuga, I'm your real uncle." Yuki was shocked as the little boy gave him a hug. 'Even though that baka is going to kill me, I think it was worth it.'

After they had gotten back he found out the truth about his real father, but Yuga always knew that his father Sara loved him. It was that day the young boy decided to become a floweriest like his father.

Looking at his mom he knew she was nervous about seeing his birth father and the other Iries' again. Yuga was a little nervous too about meeting the man for the first time; his father told him that even though he would not be here to help him, that at least there was another man who would help him through life.

Both mother and son knew at some point that Yuga would meet his birth father, but they had always thought that Sara would be there with them when they met. "Mom do you think he will like me wants he finds out?" asked Yuga.

Kotoko just smiled at her son, "Yes, I think he will." In the back of her mind she could not help but think what his face is going to look like after she tells them they had a kid.

The rest of the train ride was peaceful as the little family kept to themselves. Finally when they got to the station Shigeo Aiharo, Kotoko's father, was there to pick them up. "Grandpa!" said the kids as they ran to give their grandfather a hug.

"Oh my little joys in life, I missed you," said Shigeo hugging them back. When he looked up he saw his daughter smiling a small smile. "Kotoko, welcome home," as soon as he opened his arms his daughter ran into them with no hesitation.

"Thank you, dad," said Kotoko as a few tears slid down. "Well how about we go see the new house."

"Yeah, new house," said a depressed Yuga. Ayu hugged her brother as she was too depressed about moving to a new city.

Shigeo even though he was happy that his daughter and grandkids were home, he still wished that Sara was alive. He was also feeling guilty about what he was about to do. "I know it is still hard, but let's get you settled in for now," said Shigeo as he lead his family nervously to his truck.

As they drove to the new house Shigeo and Kotoko talked about little things, and really catching up. Kotoko was feeling good about being closer to her father again, but that was until they got to the new house.

Kotoko had seen a name plate that made her eyes bug out of her head, and made her nervous beyond belief. "Dad this place is too expensive to be our new place, what are we doing here?" asked Kotoko glaring now at her father.

"Honey, do you not remember your promise?" asked Shigeo trying to lighten for what was about to happen.

"Yes, but I wanted to get settled in with the kids before we did this," said Kotoko glancing at her kids who were wondering where they were.

"Well better now than having your aunt find out you were here, and you did not come see her first," said Shigeo referring to his best friend's wife, Noriko Irie.

"Hmm, I guess," said Kotoko slowly walking up the steps. As soon as she walked up the steps she was surprised by a big hug that almost squeezed the life out of her. She could almost see her mother and husband opening their arms to her.

"OH, KOTOKO, I'VED MISSED YOU SO MUCH," said Noriko. When she pulled back she saw Kotoko had tears in her eyes. "Kotoko I…" before Noriko could say anything else Kotoko pulled her back into another hug.

"It's good to be back home," said Kotoko with a smile and tears running down her face. All the men and children watch the two women hug each other like their lives depended on it.

Yuki smiled happy to have the two women back together, and knowing that his mother's true smile was back. "Welcome back, Kotoko."