Notes: Hellz yes! I finally got me an update for TTCL! It took freakin long! >_< I hope it's still good though. I wrote this while I'm half a sleep and might have to check it over again later when my brain is working. lol Oh do you know what this chapter means?!! It means the next chapter of TTCL...IS THE FINAL CHAPTER!!! I can't wait!
One more thing! The perv chapter in here...everyone can access from my blog once I post the whole chapter in there that is. I'll post a link. Or you can check the perv thread. On with the fic!
CHAPTER 59My uncle suggested that I stay home today, but I just couldn't do that. I had made a promise to Eri to attend Ai's pool party and if I bail out now she'll be really upset. Then she'll obviously want an explanation to my choice, which would be complicated to tell. It was better to stick with the plan. After all, if this is the last day I'll be with my friends and most importantly, Eri, then I might as well come to this party to make the best of it and have a memory I can cherish forever.
I stare at my reflection in the mirror, making sure everything my hair is neat and my make-up isn't smudged. As I stand here, my nerves suddenly kick in yet again, giving me a strong feeling of remorse. I press my palms against the top of the drawer and take a deep breath. I really don't want to leave Tokyo. This apartment has become my home.
My friends are my family and Eri is the love of my life. I'm going to leave all this because my father told me to. I hate him. I've never felt the rage in for my father ever build like this before. It seems that now I have gotten the chance to stay with my uncle this hatred has only doubled.
I'm not going to be happy once I'm back home in Fukuoka. I'm certain I never will be.
“Reina, Eri is here. She said Ai is downstairs in her car waiting for you.” My uncle announces.
“I'll be right out. Just let me check if I have everything before I leave.” I reply.
I go back to my bed and scan the items I've laid on my bed then gather them to place it into my bag. I've got all I need. I don't plan to spend the night over at Ai's place. I don't have a choice. I pick up my bag and put the strap over my shoulder then make a quick stop to the drawer mirror.
My left hand brushes through my bangs for a split second then ruffles my pigtails to make sure they stay curly. That doesn't really matter once I'm at the pool party since I'll get wet even if I don't jump into Ai's pool. Something tells me there will be water guns. I turn away from the mirror and open my room door. The second I step outside I see my uncle standing next to my door with this deeply concerned face on.
“Uncle, you don't have to be so unease about me.” I whisper.
“Are you sure you want to see your friends? I know how hard it will be to see them after yesterday.” He ask.
I smile at how caring he is about my current state of emotions. I'm going to miss that about him. How he always cared for me and wanted to hear my opinions when he was going to lay out some more ground rules. He was the only person to ever give me freedom. I'm going to miss that because I know once I'm back home I'll be locked in a cage until I'm legal to live on my own.
“Uncle, I'm fine. I want to go to this pool party. It will help me forget about tomorrow and let me just have a good time with my friends.” I explain.
“Alright.” My uncle agrees.
I walk pass him, making my way down the hall to meet Eri. I make sure to keep my emotions in check before I reach her and just focus on the good things from this party. Eri stands up from the couch when she sees me and grabs on to my hand. Then the next thing I know I'm in a binding hug. I put my free arm around Eri, while trying to keep my tears in check. I'll miss Eri most of all.
“Come on I don't know how long Ai-chan can wait!” Eri calls.
“Bye uncle!” I yell just before I'm yanked out the door.
“This is going to be so much fun!” Eri shrieks. “You know how to swim, right?”
“Yeah I can hold my own in the water.” I answer.
“Good because I just found out Ai-chan can't swim. It's weird, isn't it? She has a pool in her backyard and can't swim? You think she's afraid of the water?” Eri blurts.
“Wow, you're really talkative today! Are you that excited?” I laugh.
Eri gives me a goofy smile and nods. “Uh-huh! This is a great way to start off the summer!”
I feel a pang of sadness rip through me after those words. I only wish I can feel Eri's happiness and enthusiasm, but I really can't. She isn't the one that's going to be taken away from her friends and family. I am. I suddenly feel more lonely than I was when I came to Tokyo the first day.
I think a part of me also feels guilty since Eri has no idea what's going to happen. I know she isn't going to like this and she'll probably hate me, but if she does then that's okay because I understand why. If she does hate me that will make being away from her a lot easier. I rather have her angry at me than sad that I'm gone. I'm not sure if that's really a good thing, but I'll take anything she feels towards my departure as long as it isn't sadness.
“Reina, what's wrong?” Eri gasp.
“Huh?!” I blink, realizing I was lost in my own thoughts of sorrow. “Oh...it's nothing. These allergies are really hurting my eyes today.”
Eri remains silent and continues to look at me as if trying to read my mind. Crap! She isn't buying my lie. I can't tell her what's going on right now! It's not a good time!
I know though that it will never be a good time, but telling her in public, while Ai is in her car waiting for us is not that best place to tell her.
“Reina is there something you have to-”
A car horn interrupts us and I'm relieved that for once we're interrupted. I look behind Eri and see Ai's head sticking out the window.
“Hurry up you two! I have Sayu and Koharu back at my place waiting for us.” she urges. “I'm a little worried they might do something to my house if I'm gone too long so just get in!”
I bolt towards the back seat and open the door to take a seat inside. That was a close one! Eri gets in after me and closes the door Ai drives on the road. I lean my head against the car window and sigh. I wonder if I'll be able to enjoy this party.
I close my eyes trying to wash my thoughts away. That is until I feel something rest on to my shoulder. I pick up my head and look to my right to see Eri laying on me with a happy smile in place. She looks up at me and loops her arms around my arm.
“I'm so glad you came! This is going to be the best summer ever!” she smiles. “It's even better because I get to spend it with you.”
Eri closes her eyes about ready to fall asleep on me during the car ride and I put my head back against the glass. I still can't feel Eri's happiness. I have nothing to smile about. I only want to cry and wallow in guilt for not being quick enough to tell her what's going to happen. I'm such an idiot.
I've been trying to protect her and from doing that I've only hurt her or I'm going to once I tell her I'm leaving. Okay Reina, just stop thinking. It's supposed to be a fun and good day today I might as well start acting like it is! I take a deep breath then slowly let it out. I'm supposed to be happy.
***
“Ah, Reina, Kamei-san you both made it!” Koharu yells, from across the pool.
She has a set of lungs on her! That shout sounded as if she were right next to me and she's across from me. Koharu smiles at me then waves. I walk further into the yard and place my bag on to a lawn chair to join everyone.
“Hey! Reina!”
I know that voice. I look towards the pool and see Yossie sitting at the edge of it with her feet in the water.
“You're finally here. Now our party is complete!” I smile at her and wave. “Now take off your clothes so I can see what you look like in a bikini!”
“WHAT?!” I shout.
Yossie chuckles and grins at me. “It's not like you have anything to hide. You don't have anything “extra” do you?”
“No. What is that even supposed to mean!? Are you hinting I'm not really a girl?!” I scream. “What is wrong with you?!”
Yossie lets out another laugh. “Awe, c'mon! It's not like I haven't seen girls in bikinis before. Everyone here is wearing one! Did you know Ai has a nice butt? No wonder Gaki-san is groping her so much.”
I wrap my arms around my chest. She's even worse than Miki! Yossie continues to look at me with this smug smile on her face and it makes me feel very uncomfortable! Can't she go look at someone else!? She goes to open her mouth to coaxes me again into undressing until a wave of water splashes on her face.
“And who were YOU looking at with that smirk on your face?!” Rika demands.
Yossie bends over having a coughing fit. After she calms down after a few more coughs she looks at Rika and frowns.
“Rika that wasn't funny! I swallowed some of that water.” she whimpers.
Rika glares and pushes up another wave of water at her girlfriend, but Yossie manages to dodge it this time.
“That serves you right! The only girl you should be looking at is me!” Rika clarifies.
“Awe come on Rika! Don't tell me you aren't at least curious!?” Yossie defends.
That seems to do it for Rika and she grabs Yossie by the arm, yanking her into the pool. I let out a laugh as I hear Yossie let out a girly scream before falling in. Rika read my mind. Satisfied with my revenge, I walk away to greet the other girls before I settle down.
“Koharu, what are you and Sayu doing?” I question.
“We're helping Takahashi-san cook on the grill, silly!” Koharu giggles. “If only we can figure out how it works.”
Koharu stares at the grill with her finger against her chin, carefully trying to think over how to get it to work. I walk over to the grill and look inside.
“You idiots! You didn't put any charcoal in it!” I shout.
Koharu blinks at me confused. “Charcoal?” she repeats.
“Yes every grill needs it!” I shout. “Why did Ai-chan let two idiots work on the grill?! You could blow this whole place up!”
Sayu glares at me. “I'll have you know I'm NOT stupid! I'm just not very good a cooking. Koharu brought me with her against my will!”
“Whatever! Just go get Ai-chan so she can tell you where the charcoal is.” I grumble.
The two of them scatter in search of Ai and I let out a heavy sigh out of annoyance. These two...they're perfect for each other since they're both stupid. I shouldn't let this get me angry though. I'm here to have fun and make one last memory of all my friends. I'll go get something to drink to calm down.
I look around the yard and spot a table with snacks and a cooler next to it that I'm sure is filled with drinks. I spot Eri over there, munching on a few chips.
“I hope you're having a better time than me right now.” I whisper, next to her ear.
She smiles and leans into me when I put my arm around her waist.
“What are you talking about?” she giggles.
I lift my head that rested on Eri's shoulder and look at her.
“Do you have any idea how annoying Koharu and Sayu can be?!” I whine.
Eri laughs again and pats the top of my head for needed affection and I lay my head back to her shoulder. I close my eyes and sigh. She always make me feel calm again, but she can also be one of my reasons that causes me to get worked up, but at least with her it's in a good way. I grin to myself at that though.
“Reina, there you are!”
I turn away from Eri at the sound of my name and see Risa running down towards me. I think I already know what she's going to say just from looking at her.
“What is it you need this time?” I question, once she's within distance to hear me.
Risa looks at me surprised. “How did you know?”
I let out a small chuckle. Her expression is priceless. That's one of the things I like about Risa, her reactions. That and she's such a caring and trustworthy friend. I'll have to thank her about the talk she had with me when everyone was busy with Eri since she was blind at the time.
“Gaki-san, I've been around you for quite some time. I think I know you well enough now.” I respond. “What do you need?”
Risa puts on a more serious face once she remembers that she's called me for a reason and gets over the shock of me reading her mind or more accurately her face.
“Ai didn't buy enough nice today and since it's such a hot day all the nice is melting. Can you run to the store and buy some more ice and a few drinks if you can?” Risa ask. “I have to try and help Ai prepare the food that's being made in the kitchen and we have to try and get that grill working still.”
“Yeah sure no problem.” I easily agree.
Risa smiles at me and hugs me. “Thank you!”
She fishes out a few bills from the pocket of her shorts and hands it over. It's a good thing I didn't decide to take off my clothes first. It would be sort of a pain to put my shirt and pants back on after taking them off. I stuff the bills into my pocket and Risa thanks me one last time before going back inside. I grab on to Eri's wrist to catch her attention again.
“Come with me to the store?” I request.
“Sure!” Eri easily agrees.
On our way out, Eri walks to her bag that's on the floor then puts on her shorts, but decides to keep her shirt off. I would feel a lot better that she put on the shirt since I don't want anyone on our way to the store looking at her in her bikini top. No one, but me of course. I feel that since I'm her girlfriend I have the right to see this! That seems fair to me!
I grab on to Eri's hand again when we leave and make our way to any nearby store. I just want to buy the bag of ice and drinks quickly so I can get into the pool. It's so hot today! I continue to walk through the heat with Eri behind me. I tighten my hold on her hand, afraid she'll get left back. She's walking a lot slower than she normally does.
It must be this heat causing it. I continue to walk, searching left and right to find a local store. When I find one I make sure to immediately rush inside.
“Why don't you wait here, Eri? I'll only be a minute probably even less.” I suggest, just before I walk inside.
“Okay.” she easily agrees.
I let go of Eri's hand and enter the store, searching for the back of the store for the drinks and ice. When I reach the cooler I realize that Risa didn't tell me how many drinks she wants or how many bags of ice she wanted either. I don't want to come back with too little. I'm probably better off having a lot with me. Ah, but I don't want to carry these bags back!
Whatever. I'll just get what I think is best! I pick out three packs of water and go up front to place them on to the counter. Then I go back to take out a few bags of ice too. This should be enough.
The man at the register looks over the items I chose and starts to round them up. I stand there, waiting for the price of everything and causally turn towards the front window to check on Eri. When I look out through the window I nearly have a heart attack. There is a guy near Eri! Now I'm not talking a foot away, but way too close!
He's smiling at her, trying to have a conversation with her. He's trying to hit on Eri! That idiot! Can't he tell Eri is mine?! I feel myself start to turn hot and my body seethes with rage.
He has a lot of nerves! He continues to talk to Eri and Eri just smiles at him politely, shaking her head to whatever he's trying to get her do. He puts on a small grin then places a hand to Eri's bare arm. That makes me lose it! I want to go right up to him and punch his lights out and show him he shouldn't be trying to mess with my girl!
I bet he only came up to her because how Eri is dressed. This is why I didn't want her to walk around like this! I'll be sure to tell her that next time.
“Miss?! Hello?” The clerk calls.
I turn around, realizing I've been staring at them the whole time and didn't hear the amount I had to pay when he was done. I turn back around, look at the price on the register and hand over the money. When I get over there I'll make that sleaze bag guy feel sorry to even lay eyes on Eri! I get back my change then march towards the door when I have it in my hands, carefully planning my steps to sock this guy a good one.
However, once the door opens, the bells attached to it on the back ding and Eri sees me. That ruins my whole idea to punch this guy's teeth out. Damn it! I really wanted to hit him! I can't if Eri's looking at me like that, like she's happy to see me and has on this love struck gaze.
“Reina, you're done?” she questions.
I nod. “I'll need your help with the bags.”
Just calm down Reina! Calm down. I know Eri wouldn't want me to end up in another fight with another guy. I'm sure she's traumatized about the gang of guys that tried to beat me and attempt to rape her. Okay, this isn't helping! I need to stop worry about the past and what happened.
I want to remember my last day with Eri as a fun and romantic one. Eri turns back to the guy who's been trying to hit on her and excuses herself.
“It was nice seeing you. I hope to see you around again.” He says just before Eri walks inside.
He looks back at me then scans me over and my hand closes tight into the shape of a fist on reflex.
“Listen here you stupid little shi-”
“Reina, let's go!” Eri yells at me.
She came back so soon? I wanted to at least threaten this guy before she came back! Eri must have knew I was going to do this then. Damn it! I thought I was being secretive about how pissed off am about this dirt bag touching Eri.
I turn around and notice she has all of the bags in her hands. I take half of them into my hand then latch my friend hand on to hers. This ought to show him she's mine! Eri will never be interested in him! I walk away with Eri in pride, but I still feel angry about him trying to flirt with her.
“Reina, he wasn't going to do anything.” Eri mumbles, on the way back to Ai's house. I remain silent. “I'm not interested you know that. He isn't my type. You're my type, Reina. So please stop being so angry.”
“He touched you!” I hissed in disgust.
“Reina let it go. He didn't grope me. It was just a brush against my arm.” Eri explains. “You know I only love you.”
I still remain silent and Eri gives up trying to get through me so the rest of the walk is silent. I'm so enraged. I haven't felt that way since the fight I got into because a group of guys decided to grope Eri. I can't get the image of that guy smiling at her and flirting with her.
I'm sure he tried to get her number! I'm only become more infuriated now!
***
“Here's your stuff.” I grumble, to Risa before dropping the bags in front of her.
I hand over her change and walk away before she can thank me. I think my whole day is ruined now. I don't know why I can't let the event at the store wash away. I'm just so angry right now. Maybe even a little...jealous?
I let out a heavy sigh and rub my temples. Breathe Reina! I came here to have a good time and I will have a good time! That's final.
“Reina you're back!” Ai shouts. “Quick come over here.”
I take a deep breath and slowly let it out before going over to my three friends. They're still working on the grill I see. They still haven't gotten it to work while I was away?!
Ai bends down to look into the grill like Koharu and Sayu and turns back to me.
“It isn't going on still. I put in the charcoal.” Ai explains. “I even put in a match. What's wrong with it?”
These three can never be trusted to cook or work a grill ever again! They might burn the house down.
“Are you all that stupid?!” I snap. “You need to put fuel in it!”
“You mean gasoline?” Koharu questions. “We have to get gas out of a car?!”
I slap my forehead. “No! There's fuel just for grills.” I correct.
“Oh I think I saw that!” Koharu announces. She goes to the table and comes back, holding up a white bottle with a picture of a grill on it. “Is this it?”
“Yes! Don't you know that you'll actually need this to start the fire?” I question.
The three girls look at me with blank expressions. I let out a heavy sigh.
“Don't ever use a grill again.” I demand.
“I think I know how this works now!” Sayu declares.
She takes the boxes of matches and lights one up then throws it into the lump of black rocks. Ai bends down to take a peek again.
“Nothing's happening again Sayu.” she complains.
“You have to put the gas on it now!” I scream.
Koharu jumps then opens the bottle and squirts out the clear fluid onto the rocks. She puts too much! Doesn't she remember fuel is flammable?! A huge burst of fire comes out through the grill and Ait lets out one loud man scream. I don't think I'll ever get used to those screams.
“Koharu do you even have half a brain?!” I exclaim. “That's gas! For all I know now you could have just burned Ai's eyebrows off!”
Ai puts a hand to her head and gasps. “GAKI-SAN!!!” she whines, running off to search for her girlfriend.
I glare back to Koharu and Sayu. These two sure are something else and I mostly don't mean that in a good way! I'll be lucky to be alive when I'm around the both of them. They look at me with guilty faces. Koharu seems to anyway and Sayu is still shocked from the huge wall of fire that burst up from the small grill.
“Seriously...you two...don't work on a grill again, or someone's hair might get singed off.” I warn.
Then I walk away. Oddly, I feel more irradiated than when I left the store. I don't want to go for a swim at the moment. If I stay outside though everyone will ask me why I'm not swimming then ask me what's wrong and I don't feel like talking about it right now. So my only option is inside.
I'll just use the bathroom and walk about out. Maybe the walk will help me relax better. I head towards the backyard door, putting my idea into action. I manage to easily slip pass everyone unnoticed and get inside silently. I remember where the bathroom so that makes things easier.
I walk inside then look my hair over in the mirror, including my make-up. Then I turn on the sink and let the water run until it turns ice cold and scoop some water into my hand. I take the water and rinse my face. This should help me calm down. I repeat this a few times on my face then put it on my neck since I'm starting to feel the summer heat again. Doesn't Ai have her AC on? Am I imagining things?
I put water around my neck a feel times and start to feel myself finally calm down. This was all I needed. I smile, now more relieved. I run my hand through my hair one last time and shut off the sink. Suddenly, I feel a pair of arms tie around my waist.
“Are you still mad?”
“Not as much anymore.” I answer.
I feel the pair of arms hug me.
“I love you and only you. You know that, right Reina?”
“Yes of course Eri. I love you too.” I admit.
I feel Eri smile against me skin and nuzzle her face against my shoulder blade. She's just so cute. I can't be angry with her if she's acting this cute an affectionate towards me. Then my smile changes when I feel her right hand start to wander. Her fingers slip under my top and rub at my stomach.
I feel ten times hotter! Her hand moves up and continues to travel until it reaches my breast. Her hand grabs the tender flesh and starts to fondle it through my bikini. I let out a sharp gasp and lean back, needing to feel her against me. I close my eyes and let out a slow and shallow sigh.
My breathing has gone heavy.
“E-Eri...” I whisper. “W-what are you doing?”
Eri's other hand glides up my body and cups my other breast. I release an even louder cry. Eri kisses the back of my ear then scraps her teeth against the tender flesh and it makes my whole body shiver. My two hands grab on to the edge of the sink, to support my weight since my legs are becoming too weak to stand on my own.
“I didn't get to see you in your bikini yet.” Eri whispers, her hot breath brushing against my earlobe. I feel my body tremble again. “Take off your shirt.”
“Ah...Eri...” I yelp, finding it difficult to follow her order with her rubbing my breast in gentle circles.
“Now Reina!” she growls.
I feel my whole body tingle at the sound of her demanding voice. I've never seen her this demanding. It makes her look so hot. I grip the hems of my shirt and lift my arms up to quickly remove the unnecessary clothing. My concern for being caught has gone out the window. It's the last thing on my mind.
***
I brush the tip of my nose against hers.
“What is it with us and bathrooms?” I question.
Eri and I burst into laughter. It is kind of ironic that we end in a bathroom again. The only difference is that it isn't in my bathroom.
“Hey!”
I look towards the closed door and back to Eri.
“Is that Sayu?” I whisper.
“Other people have to use the bathroom you know?!” Sayu snaps.
“We better get out of here.” Eri suggest.
I agree and go searching for my bikini. Eri helps me put on my top and I quickly pull up my shorts. I look myself over in the mirror and Eri does the same. Our hair isn't completely fixed, but it will have to do. Then I open the door to come face to face with Sayu who's glaring at me.
I can see Koharu behind her with a curious and confused face.
“Well?!” Sayu yells.
“Um...” I scratch the back of my head. If she wants an explanation I can't really give her one that's a lie.
“Are you going to get out of my way or what?! Koharu burned her finger trying to help Ai-chan cook. I need to get the band aids.”
I open the door fully and walk out with Eri behind me. As I pass Sayu I can see her angry expression shift to shock. I'm pretty sure she knew what happened in there with us. How embarrassing is that?! Koharu's face is as red as a tomato.
“What?! You...huh?!” Sayu stutters. “I hope you remembered to clean up in there!! Ah you two are so gross!”
I look at Sayu then walk away, giving Eri a sideways smile and we start to chuckle when we're out of range for Sayu to hear us. Her reaction was as amusing as Ai's when I got my chance to get my revenge on her from embarrassing me in public.
“Come on, let's go in the pool.” I offer.
Eri agrees and together we walk out to the backyard again. I hope no one will notice that we've been gone for too long.
***
After all the swimming, eating until our stomachs were content, and our tolerance for bugs and misquotes disappeared everyone settled down into Ai's living room to watch a movie together. Yossie and Rika left early because they had to get ready for college. By the way, I never knew Eri was terrified of bugs. I guess that's something we have in common. She freaked out when a bug buzzed pass her ear.
Eri was the first to retreat into the house. Everyone just followed. Hence why we're all here, sitting on the floor and on the couch watching some dramatic movie. It's some American movie Ai suggested we watch. She's been interested in American movies lately.
Risa said she's currently studying English. It makes me wonder if she intends to use that for her future career since she's so interested in America. I don't really focus on that since I can't keep my mind off the fact that the day is finally ending. The sun set two hours ago and it's now dark.
This means that my blissful day has come to an end and tomorrow I'll be out of Tokyo and back with my parents in my hometown. I still haven't told anyone. I'm not really sure why. I guess because I'm scared. I know they'll be sad and well I don't want to cause them that.
It's just best that I never tell them. Like I have said before, I'm not good with goodbyes. Avoiding them is just much easier. I tie my arms around my bunched up knees and look down to my linked hands, leaning back against the couch. I can't enjoy this movie anymore.
I can't even enjoy my friends' company. My mind is set on when my uncle will arrive. He called me before, telling me he had to pick me up. I have to pack my things for tomorrow. I feel so guilty. I'm going to regret this later.
I continue to stare at my fingers, forcing myself to think about something else. I continue to stare, feeling myself slowly shift into a daze. Daydreaming however, isn't enough because questions still shoot out at me at the back of my head. What will happen to me in Fukuoka?
I feel a warm comforting hand around my wrist and my cloud of thoughts dissolve and I turn my head to the right of me. Eri stares at me. She's concerned. I can see it on her face.
I faintly smile at her and look back towards the floor, silently scowling to myself. So much for trying to act like nothing was wrong with me.
“Reina?” she whispers.
After she calls my name the doorbell rings and Ai gets up to answer it. Everyone's attention goes to the door. I scowl once again. Why didn't he just call me and tell me he's here instead of coming to the door?! It seems like I can't avoid this goodbye after all.
Ai looks at my uncle confused when she sees him standing in the door way. I forgot, no one other than Eri met my uncle.
“Um...I'm Reina's uncle I came to pick her and drive her back home.” he introduces.
“You didn't tell us you were leaving.” Eri says.
“Uh...I'm leaving?” I meekly reply.
I put my legs down and push myself off the floor to the safety of my uncle. He's the only one who can get me out of here without raising any questions. If I just hurry now I can get to him and out the door in no time. And of course, like always, my plan never goes how I like it.
Eri's hand grabs on to my wrist again and tugs me back. I glance over my shoulder at her.
“What's wrong?”
I can feel everyone's eyes on me again. This wasn't supposed to happen! I look back to my uncle for some help. He has on an unsure expression and that makes me panic. He's never been unable to help me!
He always gives me advice or helps me with the trouble I'm in, but at this moment he has nothing! Nothing!
“I think they have the right to know Reina. You've hold this off long enough.” he instructs.
I slip my wrist out of Eri's hand and stand up to face everyone, having everyone's attention on me makes me very nervous. My stomach hurts again. I feel scared. I can feel my body start to tremble.
“I...um...there's something important I have to tell everyone.” I sigh, trying to gain any courage to talk some more. “This isn't easy to say, but...I'm going back to Fukuoka.”
“What?!” Risa shouts.
“Why?!” Koharu questions.
“So soon!?” Sayu yells.
“When?” Ai ask.
I cringe to her question. I really wished she never said that. That's a question I dreaded to answer or face. By now, I can feel my stomach burn from inside and my throat feels like I'm about to chuck up tonight's dinner. I look down to Eri who's remained quiet this whole time, but her stare on me hasn't moved.
She's watched me this whole time. When our gaze connects I immediately feel my eyes water and I want to cry. I gulp back my sorrow and notice my throat has gone tight.
“I'm...going to leave tomorrow.”
“WHAT?!” Everyone screams.
They stare at me wide-eyed, completely in shock, but that doesn't make me feel sad. The fact that Eri's quiet the whole time makes me not only feel sad, but worried.
“I-I'm sorry-”
Eri lets out a harsh laugh. I look back to her at her cruel tone and she stands up, glaring at me. Please don't act like this! She's going to make everything worse. She's going to make everything harder than it already is.
“You're sorry?!” she snaps. “Is that all you can say, Reina?!”
I flinch at her raised tone. The whole room remains silent. Even her friends are surprised at her anger. Is this the first time she's ever been angry? I stare at her at a lost for words and take in her angry words.
“You're going to be gone tomorrow! The least you could have done is tell us before hand! You can't just drop this on us and expect us to be okay with it! You can't expect...ME to be okay with it.” she quivers.
Her eyes start to water, but her frown doesn't go away. As I watch her, I feel something inside me ache. I'm in pain. I didn't meant to hurt her. I never did.
“Eri I was going to tell you!” I cry.
“When?! When you were already there and then just call me one day and say you want to break up because now you're no longer here? Why didn't you tell me?!” she bellows. “When was this decided?”
“It was something my parents decided when I was in the hospital. I was only supposed to stay here for a year! I didn't want to tell you because you already had enough things to deal with. You nearly died Eri! You lost your sight. You're mother recently died! I didn't want to make it worse by telling you this. I wanted to protect you.” I explain.
“You didn't protect me, Reina. You hurt me.” After that she just cries. Eri puts her hands to her face and sobs.
I bite my bottom lip as a single tear slips down my cheek and shortly after a bunch of tears follow. I took away her happiness. I gave her one more thing to suffer over.
“Eri, I'm sorry!” I blurt.
“Will you stop telling me that?!” she snaps. “Just...get out of here Reina! I want to break up with you.”
“What?” I croak, my bottom lip starts to shake.
“I said this relationship is over! Do you understand?! Can you get it now, Reina?! I don't want to see you ever again. Get out of here. Go back to Fukuoka!” Eri snarls, dropping her hands and giving me her most stern and angry glare.
I no longer hold back anymore and I sob too. It feels like a part of me just died at those words. I'm crushed. H-how can she be so cruel?! I rush over to her and hug her. I hang on to her and hold her, trying to win her over to forgive me, take me back, to love me again.
“No! N-n-o I...” I start to hiccup. “I love you. Eri I love you! I didn't mean to...please, d-don't end things like this!”
I can feel her struggling against my hug, desperately trying to get me off her. This breaks my heart even more. I don't want her to hate me! I didn't mean for this to happen! I kiss her and the second my lips touch hers, on her own, against her will she kisses me back.
Urgently, I kiss her as if my life depended on it. As if, this was my only hope to win her over again. I can feel everything in this kiss. Eri's angry, hurt, sad, and torn all at once. I flinch a little realizing, I've caused this.
I made her feel these awful emotions. I can't make it any better. I can't fix it. Eri struggles some more and gives me one hard push and before I know it I'm nearly knocked off my feet, stumbling backwards. She gives me one last hateful look and turns away. Risa comes over to hug her and Eri cries into her chest.
“I think you should leave.” Ai implores.
My uncle walks over to me and grabs on to my arm. He lightly tugs me towards him.
“Let's go Reina.” he calls.
“Eri please don't hate me! Don't hate me Eri!” I beg.
My uncle continues to pull me towards the door since I'm unable to think other than stare at Eri as her friends comfort her. I'm broken. I'm just as devastated as she is. When I'm out of the house and can no longer see Eri my mind shuts down.
I stare into space and don't say a word. I can feel my tears falling, but I don't let out a sound. I'm froze. Everything around me froze. Nothing feels real anymore. I can't figure out where I am.
“Uncle...” I whisper.
He looks at me from the driver seat, just before starting the car.
“Yes?”
“Do you think I made the right decision Did I do the right thing?”
He puts his hands on the wheel and sighs, starting at the steering wheel in silent. His lips press together in a thin line and his eyebrows shift, sticking together as he thinks.
“I don't know Reina.” he admits.
And I cry. I lean over to him and bury my face into his chest. He sighs and holds me. He's the only one that I can console to. I no longer have anyone else.
I'm ruined everything. Just like I've done in Fukuoka. I guess I never have changed. Staying here was a waste and I no longer have anything to stay with anymore. I can move on with my life.
http://pkkame.wordpress.com/2010/06/26/this-thing-cal…r-59-tanakamei/