We got extra blankets from the closet and decided to sleep downstairs near the small fireplace where its a little warmer but before we went to bed Ami and I both put extra blankets on Minako to make sure shes warm and comfortable.
"Here I brought her a glass of water too." I set it down on the night stand so far there is no way to tell when the power will be back on they have been trying to keep up with cleaning all the snow and rescuing all the people still stuck. Usagi walked downstairs carefully with me we shine the flashlight on each step. "I will set an early morning alarm so we can check on Minako."
"Good idea Ami I even took some pictures of outside today I wont forget this blizzard wow!" Zipping up our coats we get in to our sleeping bags my mom and little brother are already asleep my dad is still awake using the data on his phone to do more of his work we lay down and fall asleep...
"This party is great isn't it Michiru? All the food wine and dancing. Only the best people are here you must be so excited to have a man like Theo he is connected to great opportunity and riches you will want for nothing. Id be jealous if I didn't have my own perfect guy."
"Yes well your compliments are kind Lily. please excuse me its after eleven o clock and my mother demands I get plenty of rest due to the Journey and Concert coming up. I wish all the guests and my mother a good night closing the ball room doors why do I feel like my heart is broken to pieces? I rush up to my room no calls but according to the news many are without power or still stuck on the road in the cold blizzard. What is going on that I feel like my heart is just aching?
The ocean is calm but wait the wind is beyond erratic I notice as the trees are bending to the howling winds strength some branches breaking like toothpicks its not a Youma I can still feel the bond Ruka and I have and I know something is very wrong. Haruka what is going on with you?
I would go to her apartment if I could but my mother kept me busy with Theo and writing music and I don't think shed let me in to talk let alone listen to me id transform and rush to her but there's no monster I pull off the ring Theo gave me it don't feel right to wear it I throw it in my drawer so I don't have to look at it.
I lock my door and change out of my ball gown carefully slipping in to a pair of white pj's with fake fur on the collar and tiny glow in the dark stars on the pants I get in to bed brr its chilly I grab my sweater and pull it on to keep warm as I hear the generator suddenly stop once ever is going on I cant do anything I feel tears roll down my cheeks I have an early morning and need to try and sleep...
I tuck blankets all around Haruka shes dropped to sleep with total emotional exhaustion Rio and Ava are behind me along with Jade our eyes are all sore from crying we know not to leave Haruka alone. Hailey has not come back yet Mei volunteered to sit in the living room in case Hailey comes in soon I hold on to Haruka I am trying to stay strong for her.
"Hey Thorn do you need more blankets?"
"No thanks Ava I am ok lets all try and rest we need it. I still have more to tell her but I just didn't want to do it tonight I know shes heard enough."
"That's true losing dad alone hurt as is I was really hoping he'd make it as stupid as I am"
"Rio your far from stupid we all were hoping none of us wanted to think of him as a man close to death I hated every call I got telling me of how much longer it could possibly be I wanted to wake up from some sort of nightmare and find him healthy dressed for work leaving pancakes on the table before he would lift up Haruka and hug her before leaving for work"
"Remember about him telling us to do our best in school that if we need help to come to him? Even if he was busy he tried so damn hard he gave me money for lunch and would see my bad grades and say I know you tried now lets try together he would explain till he knew I understood" I wipe a tear from my eye.
"That's right Ava sometimes we would all sit at the table listening even Haruka would sometimes sit on his lap and the school work he was doing with you was ahead of her and shed start to learn it too it was funny that at 12 shed listen to all that" I move bangs from Haruka's eyes she don't even move in her deep sleep I keep her close.
"Yawn good night guys I am so exhausted I cant stay awake any longer."
I feel Rio hold me as she falls in to an uneasy sleep slowly leaning her head on my shoulder I know I must rest for the next rough days ahead and I slowly let my self fall asleep leaning a little on Haruka.
I feel Ava lean her head and fall asleep I hope that's not drool I keep Rio close to me shes like a walking furnace I feel so worried for my fiance with all she has now on her shoulders I think we will handle this it will work out as long as we stick together but when it truly hits home I realize that were never fully ready for it at all.
Sitting in the living room with my winter stuff on and three heavy blankets shes been gone three near four hours where the hell is she? I hear my phone going off its a text from Hailey saying shes safe and would be back in the morning with the weather at its peak strength it would be to dangerous to try and get back now.
With a sigh I lean on the foam this couch is the worst place to sleep but at this point I am to tired to care I am just relieved that Hailey is safe where ever she is covering myself more with the warm blankets I hate the cold if I ever get rich I am moving to a place where winter don't exist...
I wake up at 6AM everyone is still asleep stopping my alarm I stretch and don't feel as cold in fact I feel a bit warm I look and the power is on I see the digital clock glowing taking off my winter coat I walk upstairs anyway just in case to check on Minako.
Shes sleeping peacefully that's good we could of lost her with this pneumonia and she needs to find work when shes well again to on top of still being in school that don't include being a scout I walk quietly down the steps and me with all my cram school regular education and tutoring my friends too plus scouts I barely get time to swim or play chess I see everyone still asleep I don't want to wake them so I lay back down my mind full of thoughts...
I wake up to the sunlight flowing in to my room window making the frost on the glass shine like diamonds I suddenly hear persistent knocking at my door I get out of bed its nine am still half asleep I wonder who it could be I make my way to the door and open it only to find my mother there impatiently waiting.
"Hurry up and get dressed breakfast is served soon you have slept in that's bad manners Michiru we are on a schedule remember?" Being on time makes a good impression of who you are as a person." I look at my daughters hand and don't see the ring Theo presented her last night, don't forget your engagement ring Michiru your a young woman soon to be married and must learn to act like one."
"Yes mother" shutting my door in frustration and a merry Christmas to you too sigh I go in the bathroom to take off my pyjamas I get in to the shower I refuse to be rushed a lady must look her best. But my element hitting my shoulders gives me temporary relief from all my stresses.
I notice my heart still feels shattered this is a different ache I know its Haruka we have a connection that can never be broken its who we are. But I don't know what this is its not something I have felt from the Senshi of wind before and with how stubborn she is I doubt shed talk to me and leaving here is easier said then possibly done...
I awoke to my ten thirty alarm stretching at the sunlight looking around I see Usagi up already? The sunlight glowing on her and the Christmas presents under the tree she must be excited to open them I cant help but smile at the warm scene I watch her tip toe away from the beautiful tree the sunlight has the tinsel glowing and sparkling reflecting some of the ornament colours on the living room walls.
Its nice to see after the cold night we heart hurts a little over the argument I had with my grandfather but I feel at peace somehow Usagi cheerful sounds of glee at all the presents and filled stockings interrupt my thoughts.
Merry Christmas Ami! I give my best friend a hug everything looks so amazing I See my mom and brother waking up along with my dad with relief when they notice that the power is back on.
"Merry Christmas everyone!" I See Minako slowly coming down the stairs with a blanket on her shoulders holding the empty glass in her left hand with a Kleenex she does look much better to me her cheeks have more colour and her eyes seem brighter I rush over to her how are you feeling?
"Happy holidays Usagi cough cough. I do feel more rested and much better today thanks." I smile at my good friends as I make my way to take a seat on the couch in the beautiful winter sunlight.
"Alright I know we are all excited to see what Santa has brought so lets open gifts then we can enjoy a special Christmas breakfast"
"Your the best mom!" I watch My brother already rushing over to the tree I look at Ami and Minako talking together sitting on the couch they don't know that last night I helped mom with the presents and I checked my gifts and decided to change the labels on some so that they are for them.
My mom was worried at first that I knew about the secret of who Santa is but we talked a little and I told her that Christmas will always be special and full of magic to me no matter how grown up I become she was so proud of me that she said I am turning in to a great young woman so cool!
I quickly pick up the two gifts I taped up with moms help to show me how last night and rush over to Ami and Minako. "Here these are for you two I love you guys so much!"
"Oh! Usagi you don't have too do this" Minako and I are surprised but at the same time not we know how beautiful of a heart Usagi has we both have seen it many times with our own eyes as Scouts and as her friends.
"I want to after all Christmas is not about what you get but what you give to others please take them and enjoy."
"Cough thank you so much Usagi your the best"
I open the gift careful not to make a mess. "Wow its a teddy bear thank you Usagi I will keep it with me always"
I open up my gift fast I love surprises!Putting the paper in a pile beside me. "Cough cool a lip gloss set I have always wanted one this is awesome thanks Usagi." Ami and I hug our friend. "Don't forget to open your gifts Usagi!"
"Id never forget to do that! Lets see what Santa brought! I still believe in the spirit of giving". I quickly open a gift. "Wow a new PlayStation Four Roller coaster Racing Game cool! Its like the one at the arcade with all the practice I will be champ in no time!" Opening another box a brand new outfit is inside "thanks mom!" I pick up my stocking. "look guys lots of candy to share!"
"Who's up for chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast!"
"WE DO!"
"Coming right up!" I shout to the hungry teens in the living room my husband is too busy with our son showing him how his new remote glowing monster truck works by driving it around our tree I swear men never grow up but that's fine with me.
"Want to play the racing game with me Minako?"
"Sure I will kick your butt Usagi."
"Bring it on Minako! Ami helps me get things set up for the big race!"
"I will challenge the winner" I take a seat on the couch this game does look rather fun.
"Ok Ami! Here's a controller Minako I got mine" we both start picking our cars for the race.
"I will win Usagi cough" as we are racing through a winter wonderland in the game it has a lot of great detail it looks so real.
As I watch them both they are doing great its hard to tell who will win but I notice something strange...
Walking down the steps wearing my strapless red dress with white trim V neck I am wearing my silver snowflake necklace and my hair is up in a bun with a bit of sparkle to it with just two curly strands hanging down of course Theo runs right to me before I can say good morning to anyone. Hes offering a fancy blue box everyone seems to want me to open it. There's a tiara inside he places it on my head and kisses my cheek.
I do my best not to back away apparently I am the princess of Christmas and breakfast is placed in front of me first then Theo everyone else is being served but it don't take long for the conversation to turn to that of a business subject which truly is boring to me so I am not fully paying attention.
I just focus on the special breakfast of steak and eggs everyone got to begin the day with along with fruit salad for dessert there was bowls of whip cream and chocolate sauce vanilla sauce and such to really make it a treat I am hoping that if things go quick enough and get busy I might be able to sneak a quick visit to Haruka.
"A toast everyone to a perfect holiday and to the eve of a new beginning a bright future for my daughter Michiru and her husband to be Theo!" everyone clinks glasses and gives a cheer.
"I agree with everyone I just know my Michiru will take their breath away in that concert in two days I will be there too every step of the way." I kiss her hand not far from the engagement ring I gave her yesterday good thing her mom told me her ring size.
He thinks he will be by me always just you wait and see what is in store Theo as I just smile and nod I can tell my friend Chelsea is trying not to let a chuckle escape her.
"Shall we now all go to the ball room and open gifts?" I stand up and everyone follows me as the butlers and maids clear the table behind us once at the doors I open them both to reveal the room specially decorated with a huge lit tree and so many gifts I don't bother counting anymore like I used to as a child my heart just is not in it.
Walking by Theo who has his arm around mine so tight its falling asleep he only lets go when his mother says he starts off with the first gift and he rushes too her. Why don't that surprise me? I now have Chelsea standing beside me laughing quietly I see the maids collecting the paper before it even hits the ground when my name is called I walk to get the three gifts that were found for me then walk back to Chelsea id rather keep my spot by her.
"What did you get Michiru? Very nice those new glow celebrity shoes will go great they say with anything and the perfume smells good on you never wear it pointing to Theo and you know why next one is the present I got you I bet you'll love it!"
She hands me the shoes they are beautiful they are slip on and have music notes decorating them they shine in the light she tells me to keep them for wearing for just myself to help inspire she opens my gift she smiles at the sparkling wave earrings I made her she knows making jewellery is my hobby.
There is still a huge pile of gifts to get through I will be lucky to get out of this before two and that don't include all the thank yous I have to say or putting things away. The maid brings me more gifts to open before I know it I am so thankful for everything but this is not what makes me happy and what makes things worse I am worried about Haruka...
"Yummy! These are the best chocolate chip pancakes ever mom! Pass the syrup Ami!"
"Sure Usagi. Shes right these are very good may I have another?"
"Yes you may here" I give more to everyone. "Eat up!" I turn up the Christmas music while dancing by the stove I put more pancake mix in the pan.
I laugh and join mom in dancing to Rocking Around the Christmas tree.
I slowly get up and join in on the fun. "Cough I love to dance."
I am so full but watch Usagi her mom and Minako dance is fun I move a bit to the beat in my seat enjoying the music and laughter.
I spin to the music. "This is fun don't forget Ami we still need to race you said you would race the winner!"
"You only won because I sneezed and couldn't see cough cough" I take a seat on the couch. "Just wait till I am all better you wont stand a chance Achoo!"
"I love a good challenge Usagi Id be happy to race you it sounds fun" I hand Minako a glass of ice water and take a seat beside her and pick up the controller Usagi turns on the game and I am not sure if its just me but somethings different...
I open my eyes and see a bit of sun coming through the curtains the digital clock is working it says noon flashing in big numbers power is working thank god rubbing my eyes I hear Jade start to wake up.
My eyes see my fiance Thorn already awake stretching her body out it don't take long for my own body to start hurting from how I slept. "Boy am I stiff Rio you move to much you kicked me a million times! I just know that I am full of bruises and ewwww Ava does drool"
"Owwwww try being on the floor I don't know how but someone pushed me out of bed but I feel it my aching back!"
"I must of done it Ava when you drooled I must of pushed you away from me sorry."
"I think your on my hand Jade how did we all fall asleep one way then end up like this Knotted mess?"
No idea sorry Rio I only have seen this happen in movies and I am here and don't believe it." Crunch! I hear my shoulders crack somehow I have no pillow and my neck is killing me. "I do feel a hand its near My".. I quickly push up and push her hand away I spot my pillow too somehow its under Thorn head but I am ok with that.
"Oh yes I can feel my fingers I just hate that tingling but I don't want to know where my hand was I will just wash extra in case.I am not surprised that Haruka is looking fine and fast asleep compared to all of us she sleeps through bombs. Where is Mei anyway?
I turn to kiss Jade like I do each morning but forgot Rio is behind me and get her instead oops! Jade is too busy laughing too say anything. I fix the blankets around Haruka her and I were the least effected we sleep like boulders while Jade Rio and Ava all have bruises and complaints of aching body parts I spot Mei pouring coffee in the kitchen Hailey is sitting at the table with her they look to be talking.
I half limp out And greet Mei and Hailey My hair is a mess and I feel like I have went three rounds in a wrestling ring last night.
"I see you guys beat each other up really well in some weird way I am thankful I ended up sleeping on Suzy she even had mercy on me I woke up pain free. Hailey got here soon as things were clear around five Am. Wow Ava that is some shiner." I watch as she quickly left the table and went to look in the mirror.
"We both have a black eye and our hair don't get me started".
"I look in the mirror Jade remind me when things are less of hell that I need to kill you for this! I would now if I was not in so much pain!
"Whatever! I am going to get cleaned up you can whine all you want Ava I have bruises too along with a black eye!"
I pull out my make up bag I keep everything in it. "Well at least move over so I can get cleaned up too"
"I swear you two are like little kids sometimes share the damn sink do you two want coffee this morning or not?"
"Yeah make it a bucket size in my state I need it pour the Java and leave it black I will be there soon as I am done Thorn."
"Ok then same for you both as always" I walk over to the coffee maker and start a fresh pot I myself feel like I was up all night despite the fact I slept but it was no good my thoughts made a proper sleep impossible sigh. "Is anyone hungry?"
"Is that a joke Thorn?"
"Ya I have no appetite either Rio"
"Well we are helping Thorn out then we need to make breakfast you know for a fact that each of us takes medicine for one thing or another which means we need food whether we want too or not."
"Right Mei lets get things started I will peel potatoes for home fries Haruka loves those Ava can you make that omelette she likes?"
"Yes I can do that easily Thorn lets hope this helps her want to eat wiping a tear god I miss dad."
"We all do I hug Ava and Rio keeping busy may help us."
"All we can do is try Thorn here comes Jade"
"Hey wiping my eyes can I help with anything?" I grab a mug of coffee off the counter "thank you Thorn love" I kiss her gently.
"Not yet we are just trying to keep going as best we can Jade" I hand Ava a big bowl and she begins to beat the eggs. "We are making Haruka's favourite breakfast"
"Good idea Thorn" sitting beside her I add cream and sugar to my coffee. "I don't know how Ava and Rio drink coffee black my stomach would kill me.
"It don't bother me I like it good and strong since I am clearly not a morning person and Rio she goes either way it depends on what she feels like for her black coffee strangely helped her quit smoking Jade"
"Wow I cant remember if Haruka tried smoking or not"
"No she saw what happened with us that was enough for her no one watched out for her more then Thorn did cant blame her in a way since shes the one who stopped her from being found dead in an alley way I consider the connection they have normal Many rumors over the years were passed around but who cared not us we had our own shit to deal with Jade"
"Makes sense she just didn't tell me too much during high school when we first became friends is all I don't want to ask to much about the past it don't feel right. I walk over to my fiance who is fully distracted with her other thoughts while peeling more potatoes.
"Hey Thorn those potatoes look great but I think you have more then enough in the pan" I touch her shoulder and she jumps slightly here let me take over I have her sit down and I refill her mug of coffee.
"I am sorry Jade I was a little distracted"
"Hey Jade look over there"
Rio watch the stove for me I walk over to where she pointed only to see my fiance in the bathroom putting water on her face. "Hey Thorn" I put my hand gently on her back I pick up a brush gathering her hair in my hands and brushing it carefully and neatly in to a pony tail for her.
I pull Jade in my arms putting my head on her shoulder. "Haruka would start to shake on and off through the night just like years ago I calmed her down all that I could I didn't get much sleep thank you for doing my hair" I kiss Jade with all my love.
"I love you too Thorn we all help because we want to work as a team with you to help as a family should and you would know if the kitchen was burned down by now you would walk in to a hole with a great view of the city and still feel warm."
I don't know how I ever did without everyone...