Chapter 46: The life I choose

Staring eye to eye. One pair of gold, the other pair of pink. Two men standing in front of each other for the first time. Many thoughts running wild of what to say or do.

Natsuki's Dad: (He looks familiar, but where have I seen him?)

Michael: (So this is him. Natsuki's dad.) He takes a look at his entire body and face. (Malnourished, five o clock shadow, nothing like the old photos I saw of him. He is a different man.)

Natsuki's Dad: "What is it you want?"

Michael: "My name is Michael Conner. I'm a member of the Literature Club. I'm here to talk to Natsuki."

Natsuki's Dad: "You want to talk to my daughter? Why?"

Michael: "I'm here as a friend. Is there anything wrong with wanting to see a friend?"

Natsuki's Dad: (Friend? Ah now I remember. I saw his name in her contacts. So, this is the boy. Whatever the case maybe I will have to ask him to leave.) "Listen I'm glad to hear that and all, but clearly you know nothing of my daughter." (That should make him want to leave.)

Michael: "Sorry, but I know more than you think."

Natsuki's Dad: "Huh?"

Michael: "I know a lot more about her and so does the rest of our friends. We're aware that she enjoys reading Manga, but that never really bothered us."

Natsuki's Dad: (Those words? I heard them before.) "But my daughter is childish. Why would any of you be friends with her? For that matter are you the same as her? Are your friends the same? Nothing more but children in a teenage body?"

Michael: "No, we're not exactly the same as her, but that doesn't matter to us. Our club is accepting to all regardless of who we are and what we like." Natsuki's dad looks at him intensely. He was thrown off guard by his words. When he spoke, he felt a rush of nostalgia coursing through his body. When he saw Michael, the strong eyes who faced despair and the words he has spoken, he felt as if he heard those same words before.

Natsuki: "What's going on here?" She says as she makes her way downstairs. "Michael?"

Michael: "Hey Natsuki." He smiles to her.

Natsuki: "What are you doing here again?"

Natsuki's Dad: "Again?" (Wait now I remember. He's the same boy from the other night. The one who was walking around in those crutches in the snow. That's him.)

Michael: "I came by because I wanted to talk to you again."

Natsuki: "Listen I told you before. I don't need any help or your pity. Just go home and play around with the others."

Michael: "But Natsuki?" She turns her head away from him.

Natsuki's Dad: "… Natsuki, why don't you grab your stuff and go for a walk."

Natsuki: "Huh?"

Michael: "Eh?"

Natsuki's Dad: "Don't look at me like that. Just get your jacket and leave this house at once."

Natsuki: "Hmph! Fine, whatever." She says as she goes upstairs.

Michael: (What's going on here?) "Uh sir?"

Natsuki's Dad: "Do as you wish boy. I'd be glad if you took her away from here. Can't deal with that girl any further." He says as he goes to the kitchen.

Natsuki: "Alright I'm all set." She shows off her winter attire. "Let's go already."

Michael: "Y-yeah." He looks over with concern to her dad.

While they leave her dad alone, on the other side of town.

Sayori: "…"

Monika: "Something wrong?"

Sayori: "Just regretting." She starts looking gloomy while Monika takes a sip of her tea as Yuri does the same. "We should've gone with him! We could have helped. Why did I just agree to his decisions like that? I'm such an idiot."

Monika: "I know what you mean, but there's nothing we can do. It's all up to him now."

Sayori: "I know but still?"

Monika: "Let's not think about it too much. Let's just hope things go well."

Sayori: "But …"

Monika: "Let's believe in him. The same way he believed in us."

Sayori: "Ok"

Yuri: (Believe in him … that's all we can do now. We've done all we can, now the rest is up to him. I hope things go well.)

While they sat in the café, the snow continues to fall outdoors.

Natsuki: "What is it you want with me?" She says as they walk down the streets.

Michael: "Yesterday I had a talk with an old friend of mine and his dad." He stops walking. "They told me what needed to be said. What I need to do and how to do it."

Natsuki: "What are you talking about?" He didn't say a word but smiled.

Michael: "Just trust me." He says as he faces her.

The next day after Michael and Natsuki hanged out. Early morning Natsuki's dad finally came downstairs after taking his morning shower.

Natsuki's Dad: "You're up early after getting home late." He sees his daughter sitting on the couch with the TV off.

Natsuki: "Yeah well I have a reason to." She says without looking back.

Natsuki's Dad: (Why isn't she watching TV? I gave her permission to use it.)

Natsuki: "You know I had a lot of fun last night."

Natsuki's Dad: "Did you?"

Natsuki: "Yeah, we went around town."

Natsuki's Dad: "Well it must be fun?" He walks past her.

Natsuki: "I'm not done talking, dad." Her dad stops and looks to his only daughter. Her heart pounding like drum sets as she slowly faces her dad.

Th day before after Natsuki and Michael left her house. No words to be shared. Silence between the two of them. The crowds of people being the loudest as they both walk down the streets of her neighborhood. The silence finally breaking after Natsuki asked her question about what he was referring to.

Natsuki: "Ah just tell me what you mean by what you said. Why are you here and where the hell are we going?" She says in annoyance.

Michael: "I just wanted to hang that's all."

Natsuki: "Why do I have a feeling your lying?"

Michael: "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not?"

Natsuki: "Idiot, at least tell me where we're going?" He doesn't say a word. (What the hell is he planning? Is he planning to get me to open up or something? He's wasting his time.)

Michael: "Natsuki …"

Natsuki: "You know you're wasting your time, right? Helping someone who's a lost cause." He keeps silent as she speaks. "That's why you're here? You want to help despite me telling you to give up. Idiot that's what you are. There's nothing to say or do."

Michael: "Maybe so, but I just wanted to hang out with you."

Natsuki: "… What?" He points to an arcade. "An arcade? Why here?"

Michael: "Well we did have fun with the other one when we all hanged out before. I just thought you and I could play a few rounds."

Natsuki: *Sigh* "Fine, but I better not hear any crying when I beat you." She smiles a bit.

Michael: "As if you can beat me." He smiles with confidence.

Natsuki: "Now I'm looking forward to breaking that confidence of yours." Her smile growing larger.

Natsuki's Dad: "Was that all?" He says as he scratches his chin.

Natsuki: "No, we played and played for hours. Trying to see who would get the top score between the both of us. In the end we tied. When we finished, we went out to eat. I was embarrassed that I didn't have much for a proper meal, but Michael helped me out by buying food for me."

Natsuki's Dad: "…"

Natsuki: "I told him that I didn't need his help, but he said he insist. We argued for a bit which made us look dumb in front of so many people waiting for their order. In the end I gave up and let him do what he wants." Her dad remains silent. Not saying a word to her.

After their own personal debate. Michael bought both their meals and the two of them ate as they talk.

Michael: "Can I ask you something?"

Natsuki: "We're already talking so go for it."

Michael: "What is your dream?"

Natsuki: "My dream?"

Michael: "Is there anything you want to do with your life?"

Natsuki: "What to do with my life? I don't know. I never really thought about what I want to do?"

Michael: "Surely there's something you see yourself doing as an adult woman?"

Natsuki: "Well … I was thinking maybe … something that involves …" He waits for her to say it. "No, it's stupid really."

Michael: "Well whatever it is you want to do as your goal in life. I'm sure you can achieve it."

Natsuki: "…"

Michael: "It may be a simple dream, but dreaming is what gives us purpose. Sometimes we just have to grab it when others laugh at us. Whatever your dream is, whatever your goal may be. You can do it."

Natsuki: "Maybe" (My goal.) She looks at her hand.

*Flash Back*

Natsuki's Mom: "What are you doing cupcake?"

Young Natsuki: "Drawing"

Natsuki's Mom: "What are you drawing?"

Young Natsuki: "Trying to draw people. I want to make my own Manga just like this one." She shows her mom the cover of a Manga that almost looked similar to Parfait Girls.

Natsuki's Mom: "Well I hope you do it quickly then. I want to read your Manga when it comes out." She smiles sweetly.

*Flash Back Ends*

Michael: "Well looks like we're done here. Come on let's get going." He drinks whatever was left in his cup.

Natsuki: "Right" They both get off their seats and threw away their trash before leaving. "Where are we going now?"

Michael: "Thought it would be nice to see the park nearby." He points at the entrance.

Natsuki: "Why here?"

Michael: "I know a secret place. Just follow me." He leads the way with Natsuki right behind him. After walking past some trees, Natsuki was speechless to how peaceful the place was.

Natsuki: "Where are we?"

Michael: "An open field. I just discovered it yesterday."

*Flash Back*

Jason's Dad: "Try going there." He points.

Michael: "Where?"

Jason's Dad: "Over there passed those trees. If you go there, you'll find a secret location. It's a place me, Jason, and my ex-wife used to go to. When we go out."

Michael: "Really?"

Jason: "Not many people know about it since they don't want to run the risk of getting lost when in reality it's easy to navigate."

Michael: "I see. Thanks, you two. For sharing that info."

*Flash Back Ends*

(Thanks to those two we can have a proper conversation.) Natsuki continues to look around at the wide-open field. "Not much people come here because they didn't want to run the risk of getting lost." Natsuki stares up at the sky as the snow falls. With the rays of the moon, the snowflakes looking like stars.

"Now that I think about it, wasn't there a scene where the Main Character and her friends looked at the same sky as we are doing right now?" He says as he sits down on the floor.

Natsuki: "Yes! The scene of bonds with friends from Parfait Girls!" She says excitedly. "But how did you know that?"

Michael: "Because we read it together remember?"

Natsuki: "Oh right, I forgot about that."

Michael: "You enjoy talking about your interest, don't you?"

Natsuki: "Well yeah. Parfait Girl is a masterpiece. It has everything a person could ask for. Action, comedy, drama, romance, and character development."

Michael: "You know I enjoy the way you are."

Natsuki: "Huh?"

Michael: "I like the you who is open. I like sharing interest with you."

Natsuki: "Why?"

Michael: "Why wouldn't I? Sharing interests with friends makes the whole experience more fun and interesting. Especially if you have different perspectives. I think there's more to the Parfait Girl than we think. The struggles they face, the happiness they got. All by working together. Despite the drama they had to endure."

Natsuki: "What are you on about?"

Michael: "Have you ever talked with your dad about this?"

Natsuki: "… Why should I?"

Michael: "Maybe hearing you is what you both need?"

Natsuki: "That's impossible. There's nothing to talk about."

Michael: "Not true. The only reason I took interest in Parfait Girl is because you piqued my interest. You never once told others about your interest except the others, but that all change when you met me. You told me your interest and ever since then we've became friends."

Natsuki: "I …" She struggles to form words. "Forget it. It's a waste of time. He's not going to listen to me so why try."

Michael: "How do you know if you don't try? You'll never improve if you don't try. Everything will be meaningless if you don't speak up." He stares deeply into her eyes. "You told me how much you loved your mom. If you truly love her then you should do what she wants what's best for you."

Natsuki: "How would you know? You never met her."

Michael: "True, but you should know more about her than me. You should know that her wish is for the both of you to get along and to keep moving forward. If you refuse to fix your relationship with your dad, then what would your mom think?"

He stands up straight looking down on her. "No matter what others think of you. No matter what they say. If you enjoy your life the way it is, then who the hell has the right to tell you you're wrong? Your mother wants you to enjoy your life, and you shouldn't let things like your dad or those bullies tell you otherwise.

If your dad thinks your childish then you shouldn't really care about that. It's your life and you should enjoy it. Isn't that what your mom wants? No matter what others think we're here for you because you're our friend. You helped motivate me now it's my turn to do the same for you."

Natsuki: "… You're an idiot. How can you motivate me? There's nothing I can say to fix this. I'm not like you and I will never be like you or anyone else."

Michael: "Maybe not, but who cares about that? You're you, and I'm me. Everyone is different, but the one thing we do share in common is the desire to change. Look back to the rest of us. Now it's time for you to change. For your mom."

Natsuki's Dad: "You finished? Right now, I'm having a headache." He starts walking away as Natsuki clenches her hands.

Natsuki: "Dad there's something I want to say to you right here right now." She says with authority and stands tall to face him.

Natsuki's Dad: "Then state your business now." He says intimidating as Natsuki steps back for a brief second but takes one step forward to face this demon.

"We're here for you and we accept you." Those words helped Natsuki take her first step forward and she looks at her dad's eyes.

Natsuki: "I enjoy being who I am. I enjoy watching anime, I enjoy playing video games, I enjoy playing around with my friends, but most importantly I enjoy reading Manga. There's nothing that could ever change that." She says confidently. "Isn't that the most important thing to enjoy life?"

Natsuki's Dad: "?" He looks at her daughter as if he saw a ghost. "… No, I don't agree with that. I can't let you live like this forever. This isn't what your mother would've wanted. You need to grow up. Stop doing these childish things Natsuki!"

Natsuki: *Sigh* "I was hoping you would agree, but it seems that I have to convince you that your way of thinking is wrong."

Natsuki's Dad: "Do you think you can? You're hoping that I would accept this without a fight. Well, you're wrong because I can't accept your choices. This is reality, not some fairy tale where things will turn out for the best. The truth hurts, people get hurt. There's no way around it, but to accept it. Now stop this foolishness and get back to reality from your fantasy world."

Natsuki: "... Never."

Natsuki's Dad: "What?"

Natsuki: "I will never give up that easily. I know that now. I may act like a kid, look like a kid, but I have matured. Even if this world is fucked up, I still enjoy what I have. You're the immature one, not me."

Natsuki's Dad: "Me?" She holds on to a Manga tightly.

Natsuki: (No more hesitation. Mom, watch me grow into the woman you hoped for.)

Natsuki's Dad: "Dumb girl. You don't know what you're saying. Stop this at once. Your mom would never want any of this, so just grow up and leave this fantasy world!"

Natsuki: "Then how about we ask her then?"

Natsuki's Dad: "… What?" His daughter holds up a Manga volume to him.

Natsuki: "You heard me. Let's ask mom what she wants."

End of Chapter 46