MEI AIHARA'S POINT OF VIEW

CHAPTER 8

- Ugh, this sucks... I feel like doing nothing... thinking about last night... (sigh)... why did I have to do that... I feel numb... I want to hate her, but I can't... I cannot blame her, maybe its because of how I treat her, that she doesn't like me at all?... but how about the way she treats me, as though I am special to her... or does she treat everyone like that?... did I misread her actions? did I misunderstood her intentions?... this is worst than what I felt when father left me... I feel so ashamed of myself, disgusting... disgusting? maybe its because of what I told her, us being girls and stepsisters... I don't know anymore...

Its the day of the excursion, everyone was busy. Mei is busy attending to the needs of their school. She noticed Yuzu was not yet at the hotel.

- I was informed she'll be late, but still, I can't help to worry about her... where are you Yuzu?...

Mei overheard Himeko scolding someone at the hotel lobby. Its Yuzu.

- She's here! I am relieved... Well at least I know she's safe... I gotta ignore her, I have better things to do than be distracted by her...

Mei was startled when Yuzu grabbed her hand from behind, "Mei! Can we talk for a second?"

- Please Yuzu, not here, not this time... Maybe not anymore... I'm just tired of being hurt...

The stepsisters walked out of the hotel to avoid being seen and interrupted by other students. "You know, I was happy with your feelings. But see... there are things that even as sisterly skinship... its going a bit over the line I think." Yuzu trying to explain her thoughts over what she did last Christmas eve.

- That's crap! Please Yuzu, lets cut the chase, just be honest for goodness sake... do you like me or not?... I'm really becoming impatient now...

"Can I ask just one thing? What are your feelings for me?" Mei ask directly.

"I... I do love you Mei. Disregarding we're family...I cherish you personally, an incredible amount! And..." before Yuzu could continue Mei cuts her off, "I'm sorry. Please forget about what happened that day" and left Yuzu speechless.

- I can't take anymore of your bullsh*t Yuzu!... just leave me alone...

The Match-Making Shrine was one of the places in the school trip's itinerary. Mei is taking shelter, because of the rain, in one of the buildings when a familiar student approach her, "Ah here you are! Mei, aren't you tying a love knot charm?" asked the girl.

- And who are you, again? Ah yes, Nina from Tokyo Station... are you lost again? Where is your sister?... anyway...

"I don't believe in such nonsense." Mei responded. "Say, my older sister likes you, Mei. So since you're not tying a charm with anyone, won't you tie one with her?" Nina still insisting. "I appreciate the gesture but I have no interest in that." Mei rejects the idea bluntly. "I guess I understand. Well just consider it!" Nina went on her way and left a confused Mei behind.

- She's one odd girl... heh, tying a love knot... is there really such a thing as "love"... I don't want to fell for that trap again... not anymore...

"Eh Mei!?... my little sister, Nina, said she'd be here! so I'm looking for her. Did you see her?" a stuttering Sara asked Mei nervously.

- Ah.. I see... so you are the one who likes me... well, you are not as cute as Yuzu, but maybe...

"Yes. She was here a second ago. But she ran off into the rain." Mei replied. "If a chance presents itself you gotta go for it" Sara mumbles to herself. "Ah umm.. Mei... I... I like you! When we met at Tokyo Station, I fell in love with you at first sight!" Sara confessed hoping not to lose her confidence.

- Whoa! so direct!... uhm... okay... well... I... what should I say, I was caught off guard...

"Sara... would you say... that you need me?" Mei is trying very hard to hide her insecurities. "Of course! because I love you." Sara responding with a very sweet smile.

- I see... well I know the feeling of being rejected... so I think we could work this out... could we? could I?... how about Yuzu? would it be okay with her?... and why should I think of her now, she rejected me already... at least Sara is honest to herself and to me... okay, I'll give this a chance...

Back at the hotel, Yuzu is fidgeting and finding the courage to say something to Mei, when Mei told her the "news".. "Yuzu, there is something that I need to tell you first... earlier today, someone confessed to me. And I decided to go out with that person." After dropping the bomb to Yuzu, Mei left.

- I think it is better off this way... but why am I feeling empty...