Happy birthday in advance FaqU
<-- Can you tell the reason for this emoticon?
Can You Hear Me? ~ Part 2"Can we drop this?"
You asked, groaning slightly as you massaged your temples with your fingers. I knew that you were exhausted from not getting any proper rest from the moment you found out about Kamei-san's predicament. However, I wasn't going to let my emotions waver my resolute. I had to be firm or I would never succeed in getting you to return to the U.S with me.
"You said you wanted to see her. Now that we have, it's time to leave."
Grabbing the phone from my purse, I flipped open the cover and hastily recalled the number that I had saved under the speed dial function. When I heard the voice of the sales and customer service operator sound on the other end of the line, I spoke as clearly as I could into the mouthpiece to ensure that none of the instructions I was about to relay was missed out.
"I need a pair of tickets on the first flight you have to Cleveland, Ohio."
"Please hold the line as I check the availability of possible flights."
Replying with an impatient "Umm." I tapped my fingers on my elbow as I waited for the confirmation.
"There is a flight leaving..."
Before I could obtain every word of the information I was hearing, the phone was snatched from my fingers and the gadget snapped shut.
"I'm not leaving."
Losing my temper at your inconsiderate act, I flared up and shouted agitatedly.
"You promised me that we would return to Cleveland. You said you just wanted to make sure she was fine. And she is! So why are you so adamant about staying?"
I was staring at your face but I could tell you were gripping your fists in tight balls in order to prevent your own temper from spilling over. Taking a deep breath, you controlled the volume of your voice as you answered.
"I know I broke my promise. And I'm sorry. But Kame can't hear. Neither can she walk. I would think that her current situation is far from being fine."
In the back of my mind, I knew I was acting selfishly. But I couldn't allow you to extend the length of your stay. I couldn't risk the chance of you skipping the final recital and not graduating after all the hard work you have put in. Assuming a more reasonable approach would work, I once again persuaded you to change your mind.
"We have to go back or we'll miss the recital. This is what we have been working towards for years. Please don't tell me you want to give it all up."
Unclenching your hands, you stepped up to me and pulled me into an embrace. I could feel the warmth of your arms encircling my torso but I could also sense your heart getting further and further away.
"Forgive me for backing out of the performance. You are more than capable of presenting a solo piece. I know you will mesmerize everyone from the judges to the people in the audience."
"But it's too late to change the compositions list now. I.."
I protested feebly, still clinging onto the last shred of hope that you would relent.
"I'm sure the professors will understand if you explain the reason."
By your tone of voice, I could tell that this conversation was over. You had made up your mind and I was in no position to alter it. I couldn't believe that you were forsaking me for someone who wasn't even a family member.
As you drew back from our hug, your hand rested on the small of my back for a longer time than necessary. Under normal circumstances I would have wondered about the reason behind your lingering touch. Except that I was presently too angry at your decision to think straight.
-----
It's time for your bath.I conveyed swiftly prior to bending down and unfastening the locking mechanism of the wheelchair. Just as I was about to push you towards the room exit, I saw her enter. Her eyes were bloodshot and she looked weary. However I wasn't in the mood to care about why she was in such a state. All I wanted was to keep her away from you, to decrease the
contact between you to a minimum.
Quickening my pace, I maneuvered you past her stationary form standing at the doorway and was about to make our way down the corridor when I felt pressure on my arm.
"Thanks for taking care of Kame. I can take it from here."
The words barely left her lips and it took less than a second for extreme rage to overtake my entire being. Up till now I had done a pretty good job of keeping my temper in check. Unfortunately, all that perseverance went down the drain when I lunged for her and landed my fist on her jaw.
"WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO WALTZ IN SAYING YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF ERI WHEN IT HAS BEEN ME LOOKING AFTER HER ALL ALONG?!"
I'm not sure what had occurred in the moments proceeding that first punch as it was just a blurry mess thereafter. The sole memory I have of that late afternoon was being dragged kicking and screaming away from the crumpled form lying in the walkway.
-----
I didn't ask if you were alright as despite my inability to hear or move my legs, my eyesight was perfect fine. You had split and swollen lips, a bruise at your jaw area and an equally painful looking laceration above your eyebrow.
Toda-san had brought us a medical kit and some towels to clean up your wounds. Regardless of your claims of being able to attend to yourself, I insisted on helping you. It was the least I could do after how Reina behaved.
No one told me why she had attacked you but from the two years I had spent on lip reading, I could tell from the hushed whispers the contents of Reina's yelling.
"This isn't your fault. I was too presumptuous in dealing with Tanaka-san."
Tears welled up in my eyes when I realized what you were doing. You were trying to make me feel better, to let me know that I wasn't the cause of all this unhappiness. I understood your kind intention but it only made me feel worse.
It should have been me who died! I'm always bringing trouble to the people I care about."That's not true! Don't think like that. She wouldn't want you to think like that."
Your hands were cradling my face and your eyes searched mine. Refusing to break our gaze, you continued.
"Before you think I can read minds, I can't. You said that out loud. Stop hiding behind this imaginary impairment. You can hear, you can speak. And you definitely can walk. You only think you can't because of the guilt. But it's not your fault. What happened was an accident. One, which no one wanted to happen."
"No! NO! My entire existence is a sorry excuse. I should just die!"
I yanked on both wheels and rolled myself backwards. I had to escape from this place. I had to run away from facing you. Because seeing you reminded me of... her.
"Kame!"
You got up from sitting on the edge of my bed and sprang to stop me. Halfway across the room, you clutched onto your abdomen and fell to the floor.
"Gaki-san!"
As if forgetting that I was supposed to be paralyzed, I stumbled to your side before collapsing next to you.
"Are you alright?"
"For a scrawny kid, Tanaka-san sure packs a punch."
You joked to hide the fact that you were hurting but from the grimace on your face and how your breathing was in short, raspy gasps, I could tell your injuries ached.
"Why are you so good to me even after what I did?"
Burying my face in your chest, I cried out, letting the tears that I had locked away since the tragedy slide down my cheeks.
On that fateful night, I had insisted on driving home even though I had drank. My girlfriend tried to convince me to take a cab instead but I had declined, fully confident that I could handle my new sports car.
It was raining and the roads were wet and slippery. It didn't help that I was tipsy from the drinks. If only I had listened to her, then maybe she would still be alive.
I'll be good to you always because you are the person she loved.-----
"Why do you have that silly grin on your face?"
I asked my companion. It was a question I had been mulling over ever since I revealed to her that I had purchased the tickets.
"Nothing."
The young lady who was older than me by two years said with fake nonchalance. Shrugging my shoulders, I would let the matter go for now. There would be nowhere for her to hide when I began my interrogated on the plane.
Turning back to where Eri and Tanaka-san were standing beyond the glass panel walls, I waved to them with the hand holding onto my passport and plane ticket as my other arm was preoccupied.
"Don't worry, I'm sure Tanaka-san will take good care of her.
I felt our intertwined fingers being squeezed gently before I was led towards the departure gates. Stealing one last glance at Kame, I noticed that she was smiling in a way I only remember seeing when you were still around.
"A penny for your thoughts?"
"Thinking about how our future world renown cellist is going to torture me with her insane practice schedule when we get back."
Whacking at my arm, a tongue was stuck near my nose before its owner flashed me an incredible smile.
Unconsciously, a small grin tugged on my lips and I couldn't remove my gaze from that face even when a hint of blush started to form.
"Will our school's number one violinist stop looking at me like that? You're making me uncomfortable."
There was a pout accompanied by the shy shuffling of feet. I could feel my beam grow wider and this was when I became certain that I had indeed moved on.
We grew up together and I loved you for as long as I could remember. I couldn't let go even when you picked Kame, my friend from school. But I never told you how I felt, I would still protect you even if I wasn't the person you laid beside each night. That was until I met her.
She were so talented and different. She constantly awed me with her unique way of thinking. Even though we never actually confessed to each other, I believe the bond we shared was strong and would endure any trial or tribulation.
"I must be the luckiest student at CIM (Cleveland Institute of Music) cuz I have love."
"You have love? For music? Or your violin?"
She and I were almost the same height and this enabled me to level up to her large doe like eyes twinkling with innocence.
"The Ai I'm talking about is you silly."
Can you hear me saying these mushy things Sayumin? I bet you must be laughing your head off and thinking of how you can tease me.
If you can hear me, please know that you don't have to worry about Kame. She has found somebody who will take your place in caring for her.
And I too have finally someone who needs me as much as I need her.-----
@rnd: For once Eri came out all healthy. I say this calls for a celebration!
@Sticky: A kitty? I prefer a puppy
May I suggest the SPCA? The animals there really deserve a good home. You heard me say JJ? When?
@aussie: Eri's handicapped was all in her mind. She had recovered fully after the accident but she refused to believe she was fine because of her guilt.
@FaqU: You are really good at picking my brain. I think you got at least 80% of everything correct
@kR: I was hoping someone could guess from my description that it was Eri I was writing about. Can we share the popcorn?
@Sukoshi-chan: Where are you headed to this time? Oh no you don't! *throws gunny sack over you* You're staying put till you finish those OPVs
You didn't get everything it wrong. You guessed the part about Sayu being dead
Topic: More Than One Story...[111016 Loving You Forever] (Read 236751 times)