Citrus: Mei's Story vol. 10 - Resolute Heart

Epilogue A. Wedding Night

I still couldn't believe that it was real. The entire time since we started planning for it felt like a fever dream. I completely expected to wake up this morning and discover that everything had been a long dream and it was really the day I would meet Yuzu for the very first time. But I had awakened in her arms like always. After we had breakfast, I was whisked away from her by Sara, Himeko, Suzuran, Maruta, Maya, Tomo, Mitsuko, and Naruka to be pampered and primped before they all left me with a pair of Mitsuko's assistants to help me prepare and get into the dress. Even as I looked at myself in the gorgeous white dress we had decided on, I was sure I was about to wake up. The ceremony was perfect and she looked gorgeous in her matching dress. I found myself admitting that her idea of matching dresses was better than my thought of her in a tailored suit though I still wanted to see her in one at some point. But that just added to the wonderful haze that made me worry it was a dream. And then we made it to the end of the ceremony when we lifted each other's veils and we shared a tender love-filled but respectful kiss. After all, we weren't alone. Somehow everyone was there, including a few people who I had no idea who they were and a woman who seemed oddly familiar but I had never met her before. But then the ceremony was over and it was on to the reception. We both changed out of our wedding dresses and into the lovely dresses Yuzu had picked for the celebration afterwards. They were similar in design but the details were slightly different to accentuate our different body types. Hers was wonderfully sunlight yellow while mine was a pale lavender. The only thing that made me feel even a little like this had to be real was the fact that my heart was pounding.
Now I was sitting nervously at a table after having a lovely dinner, and wondering what was supposed to happen next. I felt Yuzu take my hand and give it a little squeeze to get my attention. I looked over and saw her beaming with ever climbing happiness and excitement.
"I can't believe this day actually came!"
"Me either. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and it be the first day back after summer break our first year."
"So do I!"
That was oddly comforting to know and it helped tether me to the fact that it was in fact happening. That it had in fact happened. Yuzu had actually stayed with me despite all of my mess and problems. She had never once thought to rescind her proposal, not even when I had seemingly lost the ring. She had signed the registration paperwork, and hadn't once hesitated during the ceremony. We had just been married, and now we were celebrating that event with our family and friends. I squeezed her hand and caressed it with my hand. I had an impish thought.
"Maybe a kiss will help remind us that this is real..?"
She smirked before leaning over as she pulled me into a long kiss that made my heart stop until she finally parted. When I opened my eyes, I found the smirk still there.
"It took me a while, but I'm used to your little games and tricks now."
"But that wasn't a game or trick!"
"You didn't suggest it simply because you were wanting me to kiss you?"
I blushed and glanced away. She had been getting better at figuring out what I was thinking or trying to have happen and even had taken to teasing and tricking me into romantic or more often intimate situations. The infuriating part was that she had gotten to where she could guess what I was doing and yet she'd always go with it with that same knowing smirk I had just seen. But then she squeezed my hand once more and whispered in my ear.
"I love you, Aihara Mei. I always have and I always will."
She kissed my cheek and then let go of my hand. Like always, that left my hand feeling ice cold. I looked over to see her getting up from our table. As soon as she saw my concerned expression, she motioned to the large room we were in.
"We should at least say hi to everyone and catch up a bit."
Now that the haze was dissipating, I remembered that we were surrounded by all the guests of our wedding. I nodded my reluctant agreement to her suggestion and was rewarded with a sympathetic smile.
"Mei, did I ever tell you that you look cute when you're nervous?"
"I'm not..."
She walked over and put her forehead against my own as she spoke in a soft voice that seemed to transfer a bit of her courage to me.
"You'll be fine. You don't have to talk to everyone. Just find the people you actually feel comfortable with."
It had been an interesting development as I had opened up to Yuzu not only about my actions during those early years with her, but also about exactly what happened to me before we met. Oddly that conversation was triggered by seeing the news of some of the men being arrested for other crimes. But as I continued to destroy my walls and let what was hidden be seen by her, I became increasingly nervous when dealing with a crowded space or extensive formal conversations as I mingled amongst groups. Personal conversations with a few people were fine— especially if they were friends or were a gentle form of gregarious— as was giving speeches to crowds. But she was the one who could be the social butterfly at an event, while I clung to her or our actual friends.
As I glanced out at the people, I was reminded of when she explained what she was planning to do for her future. Before our third year of high school— and even during those legacy training meetings with Grandfather— it seemed like she was going to dedicate herself to mainly being a devoted housewife and socialite. But then something shifted and she had struggled long and hard in order to try to get into the same university as me. I was still unaware of just how much I would rely on her, and so I initially assumed it was her being adorably clingy. The truth was so much more heartwarming and inspiring. While she did consider my going to school there as a factor in her choice, the main reason she was dedicated to going there had been to get certified as a teacher. She admitted to our friends that it was to be a support and help to me in my dream for Aihara Academy, but I learned that she was wanting to specifically be an example to any girls in our school that might be like she was. She wanted to guide the next generations of students to seek a bright future and never to think it wasn't possible to achieve their dreams. I loved her for that. And with how she acted whenever I was struggling, I knew she would be an amazing teacher.
"Alright, but don't go too far."
That got me a chuckle and then she straightened and held out her hand to me. Despite her unmistakable attempt to be cute, once again she was showing her dashing princely side. It was extremely hard not to jump into her arms. Only the fact we weren't alone made me careful, but the smirk she gave me just told me that she was impressed I was holding back. I felt my body threaten to melt away from the blushing I was trying to suppress. With a steadying exhalation, I reached up and placed my hand in hers. She smiled and guided me up from my chair and around the table. Past Mother, Father, Naruka, and Grandfather. While holding my hand, she led me to the two people who were closest to our hearts. With each step I felt like I was tripping between the past and present. It felt like it was only a week ago that I had met the little brat. Then in the next step she was my precious little sister. It was still a wonder that Harumi was so capable at dealing with her level of brattiness and even seemed to dote on the girl. I remembered that despite moments of surprising tenderness towards Matsuri, Harumi had refused to admit that she was falling for her. That was until I gave her a nudge when Matsuri started ditching school after the Hikami incident. Since then they had become curiously close. Had I not had experience with a secret relationship myself, I might have thought nothing of it. But now neither really tried to deny that they were actually together even if they didn't tell everyone. As Yuzu ran over to give Harumi a hug, I walked up to the sighing and smirking imp as she tried to keep an eye on the strangest member of Yuzu's friends.
"You'd think by now she'd give up on her Haru/Yuzu fantasy."
"Nomura will probably still insist that it will happen even when you two get married."
At my statement, Matsuri groaned and closed the distance between us so she could rest her head on me. It was still hard to believe that she had actually grown a few inches, but that was more because she was always next to Harumi who had the unfair trait of being tall as well as shapely. Still, despite how much she had grown since her days being a brat trying to separate me from Yuzu, Matsuri wanted the comfort of her big sisters.
"I don't know if I can take that step."
"Why not?"
"Because... well, look at her! How am I dating someone that beautiful?! Why would she date me? If we were going to get married, I'd have to tell her about... you know? Why would she want to stay with me when she learns everything?"
If I had been like Yuzu, I might have tenderly given her a hug and tried to gently calm her fears. But I was nothing like my shining Yuzu. My relationship with Matsuri was not a gentle thing. I flicked the top of her head. It caused a satisfying yelp and she hopped back a step to glare at me. I met her glare with my best no-nonsense expression.
"You really think that it's impossible for you two?! After all you went through to get here? After being around Yuzu and I? What was it you screamed at me once? If you and Yuzu were nothing but bullshit, what hope does someone like me have with Taniguchi? Well, you're at our wedding. Still think love is impossible for people like us?"
"Cheater."
"Coward."
She smiled warmly and flung herself into my arms for a surprise hug. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head.
"You got this! I believe in you, my little demon of a sister."
"Thank you. Congratulations on not screwing up today, my Stepford-esque big sister."
That caused me to chuckle. It was a part of our sister relationship that only we understood. I was so grateful that we had reconciled when Yuzu proposed. That along with everything that occurred during our third year had made us almost as inseparable as Yuzu and Harumi. Our antics were met with a deep sigh and a giggle. We looked to our side to find Yuzu and Harumi standing there watching us. Yuzu was beaming still, and Harumi was doing her best not to reveal that she found us adorable.
"Don't do anything to embarrass us or them today."
At Harumi's instruction, Matsuri smirked and shifted her position so she held me in a slightly more suggestive manner. I sighed and slipped out of her arms. Yuzu just laughed.
"I'm so glad you two are so close now."
"It's not as fun as it used to be. You used to actually believe something might happen."
"She knows I'd never put up with it."
I watched the three of them slip into their typical banter for a moment before I decided to look around for someone else that I could talk to and escape being used as a part of Matsuri's schemes. There were a lot of potential options thanks to our guest list being filled with our friends. It was tempting to go over to where Mitsuko and Maruta were sitting with Suzuran and Himeko. There was a woman around Suzuran's age sitting near Himeko that I hadn't actually met yet, but I had a suspicion of who she was. However that table seemed to be still in the middle of actually eating because of the fact Maruta kept the conversation going. I could always go talk to Sara and Nina, but I felt like that was something to do with Yuzu.
And then I saw two people who looked a little out of sorts. Or rather Sayaka was looking nervous and uncertain while Miyabi was smiling in a pleasant way and yet I felt the warning undertones beneath it. It wasn't that she wanted to be left alone, but with my grandfather and other prominent family heads and adults present, Sayaka was having a panic attack. I took a deep breath and walked towards the young couple.
"Thank you both for coming today."
"Of course! We wouldn't miss it."
"You never said Lady Shiraho and Lord Aihara would be here, also the scion of the Udagawa family and even someone tied to the Akasawa family. I wasn't... it's just... I can't."
It was heartbreaking to see the otherwise hyper capable and put together Sayaka actually break down. This girl had at one point stood up to me and openly planned to destroy all I was trying to build. She had confronted Yuzu and that had nearly broken Matsuri in a way that I never had. And yet thanks to whatever her parents had done to get her to repress her sapphic nature, she was unable to be around most adults without getting locked into a triggered state. Only Miyabi was able to keep her from regressing. I still couldn't believe I had ever thought the girl was actually sweet and innocent. She actually could be more terrifying than Maruta just because unlike her predecessor, Miyabi was highly sociable and cute when in the public eye. And right now she was clearly multitasking. I decided to give them both a little bit of help.
"Everyone here accepts Yuzu and I. None of them would be allowed otherwise. But if you're needing an escape, we can get you both a room."
Sayaka actually seemed to calm a bit at the mention of escaping to a room, however that just evolved into her blushing and averting her eyes as she nodded. Miyabi's smile shifted into something impish and I realised that was a genuine smile. She curtsied to me.
"Thank you, Lady Mei. For everything you did for us."
"It's nothing, Ms Sakuraba. You and Ms Hikami helped us greatly during our last year at the academy."
Despite a rocky start, the pair had become part of our group of friends. I had come to trust Sayaka for her blunt honesty, and Miyabi for her abilities as the successor of Maruta. The fact that the couple had a pseudo antagonistic friendship with Matsuri just made me have hope for the school as I worked to take control and transform it. However Sayaka was unwilling to let me brush off their gratitude.
"Please, Lady Aihara! Without you and Aihara Yuzu, I might never have moved forward. Miyabi and I are only together because of your help. So thank you for everything."
"I'm happy I could help."
As I spoke, I gave a bow and then walked over to someone on the hotel staff and pointed out the two girls so they could have a room given to them on behalf of the Aihara family. I was standing there watching them slip out of the reception together, when I was approached by Suzuran's mother. We had only ever interacted through her connection to the board of the academy, and even then it was to convince her to give up her attempts to buy the school out from under us. However she was Suzuran's mother and was here to support us thanks to Suzuran's friendship with Yuzu and myself. So I bowed deeply out of respect for the woman and her station.
"Lady Shiraho, thank you for the honour of your presence."
"Lady Aihara, thank you for inviting us. I hope you and your family are granted many years of happiness because of this match."
"You honour us once more."
I bowed again and had thought she would walk away now that the formalities had been observed, however when I straightened she stood there still. Like her daughter, Lady Shiraho kept up an expressionless mask at all times. In fact compared to her mother, Suzuran was hyper expressive. And so I wasn't able to determine why she was standing there like an ethereal spectre until she turned to glance towards her daughter and finally spoke.
"I must admit, I came more to see you and your spouse to gain understanding about such matters. And also to keep an eye on my daughter. The traditions of the Shiraho tend towards marriage with men and keeping female lovers as close attendants. The idea of marriage being for anything other than political or commercial gain is new to me."
"Lady Shiraho...?"
The strange woman was now carefully studying the table where her daughter was talking with Himeko's guest. However, the more I watched the more I was sure that Maruta was playing with her where no one could see. There were strange visible pauses and glances from Suzuran who was already dropping the mask and letting some emotions peek through. I looked back to Lady Shiraho and saw her use a fan to hide her mouth as she turned to speak to me once more.
"My daughter refused her engagement suddenly. Told me she was in love with a girl and they were seeing each other."
So Maruta and her are actually together, not just fooling around.
"I don't mind that she's seeing a woman, but she was very passionate about it despite admitting that she wasn't going to marry this woman. She also refuses to tell me who it is. I'm concerned about how the other branches of the family will attempt to use this against her."
And that's when I realised what was going on. Suzuran was committing to being with Maruta even if she lost her standing and never got married. Her mother didn't want to show that she was worried, but not about her daughter being with a girl. Instead it was that she was scared that her daughter might be putting herself in danger and developing a weakness. She had come in the hopes to gain information about who Suzuran was seeing as well as to see who the girl's allies were. The second one was the easier task. All of our group were close enough that we'd be willing to help her like she had helped us, but because she had grown closer to all of us, it was harder to tell exactly who she might be fond of unless you knew about her past with Maruta. Her mother let out a sigh that I decided had to be frustrated. I had to fight not to chuckle at it all. It was a simple matter to help her feel confident in her daughter.
"I may be an outsider in terms of the Shiraho family. But if any of the branches were to attempt to make a move against your daughter, I know that her relationship would make her a terrifying person to face. Outside of her own skills and those of her lover, she will always have the support of the Aiharas and the Taniguchis. Lady Mitsuko and I aren't traditionalists, but both of us are aware of how things work. How do you think the potential aggressors would do if you counted nearly every family you see represented by the younger people here today as Lady Suzuran's allies?"
"You would stand with her?"
It seemed like such an odd question to me, but I understood why she was asking.
"If she asked. The Aihara family will never abandon their friends."
"Even if there would be no gain for you?"
The look she gave me was one of utter confusion at the idea of acting without an ulterior motive. It didn't help that the Aiharas and the Shiraho were not exactly on equal footing or connected outside of our friendship with Suzuran. To her, that wasn't the smartest move. But Yuzu and I didn't care about strategic value. Suzuran was family.
"Our families might not be the most steadfast allies, but Lady Suzuran is an extremely valued friend to me and my wife. Her happiness and safety are enough for us."
"I see. Thank you for your kind words and support. Perhaps this might be the start of an alliance between our families."
It took everything in me to not walk away. She was too ingrained in her ideology to realise I wasn't referring to faction politics or anything more than a personal bond. It was like I was talking to Ice Princess Aihara. And so I turned and gave a bow as I spoke so she knew I was going to be moving on.
"I'm not speaking for my grandfather's Aihara family, but I intend to be a friend to Lady Suzuran no matter how things unfold."
"Of course. Thank you again, Lady Aihara."
She nodded my way and this released me to walk away. I made a quick path to Yuzu and wrapped myself around her arm as she walked towards where Sara and Nina were excitedly eating sweets. As I nuzzled into place, I heard a soft giggle from my wife.
"I'm proud of you for going so long."
"Maybe it was a bad idea to invite the other members of our friends' families. I don't want today to become a negotiation."
"You don't have to talk to them. Today is about us, right? We make the rules."
As she spoke, she wrapped a comforting arm around me and kissed my temple. Just being around her was giving me the energy to continue and move past the stress.
"I'm glad I fell in love with you."
"Awww, Mei!!!"
She sounded like she was about to cry from happiness as she squeezed me closer. I blushed at her reaction. It was now a lot easier for me to say that without the fear stopping me, but she still seemed to treat every time I said it like it was the first time.
"Maybe I should start doing that once a day rule again."
"Could you handle that now?"
I am proud and annoyed that you caught on to that.
I left her question unanswered and readied myself for the encounter with the twins. However just before we reached their table, we were stopped by Himeko and her guest.
"Aihara Yuzu, might I borrow Mei Mei for a moment?"
Yuzu looked towards me to see how I was doing now, and I nodded. Our friends were always safe for me, though they could be exhausting in a different way. Himeko in particular was always a comfort nowadays. So Yuzu gave me a kiss on my cheek and walked over to greet Sara and Nina. I turned my attention to my best friend.
"Thank you so much for being part of today. It means a lot to me."
"Can we find an area where we can speak in private?"
There was a strange forced cheeriness to her voice but it wasn't enough to hide the nervousness. It wasn't exactly the mood I expected at the reception of my wedding, especially not from my best friend. I looked from her to the woman with her and noticed that she was trying to cover up her nervousness by holding her hands together. Both of them were afraid of something. So I nodded and led them out to an empty balcony of the reception hall. As soon as we were alone I turned to Himeko.
"What is wrong?"
As if the years had reversed to when we were kids, I was surprised by a tight flying hug. Himeko was acting like she used to and I heard crying from where her face was buried into my shoulder.
"Himeko?!"
I carefully wrapped my arms around her and started to comfort her as best I could until I noticed the tightened lips of her guest. I pulled away and tried to meet my friend's eyes.
"Whatever it is, you can tell me."
"I'm supposed to get married next summer."
Her words came through tears. I sighed and gave her a second hug. It had become an unspoken thing between us. She hated the marriage arrangement idea, but wanted to be a proper lady and help her family. She wasn't like Mitsuko or I, but she still wished she didn't have to get married. The best she had been able to do was stall her engagement talks which started during the summer of our third year. She never talked about her fiancé, so I had no idea what he was like. But I had assumed it was a lucky match because she had seemed to grow happier with each engagement meeting. Seeing her now, I realised I should have asked her more about it. She slipped out of my arms and backed up so she was close to her guest. It was then that I noticed that Himeko was covering her right and the woman's left hand with her dress. They even seemed to lean into each other. And then it clicked into place.
She brought this woman to the wedding instead of her fiancé...
"Himeko, who is she? I don't believe I've yet had the pleasure."
"Hime, are you sure about this?"
You call her Princess?!
"Mei Mei is my best friend, I trust her with my life."
As soon as Himeko vouched for me, the woman moved in front of my best friend and bowed.
"My name is Nagasaki Asa."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am the Lady Aihara Mei. Himeko is my oldest and dearest friend."
I bowed and when we straightened, I noticed that she was keeping herself angled to hide a hand in between herself and Himeko. It was almost blatant that they were holding hands. However, she seemed to be ready for the possibility of trouble as though she was a bodyguard. And her eyes were searching my face.
"I know who you are. Thank you for being a friend to Lady Himeko."
"And how do you know her?"
"I'm—"
Himeko's voice was shaking with overwhelming anxiety as she moved out from behind Asa and answered for the woman.
"Sh-she's my gi-girlfriend."
I knew it!
I bowed to the woman once more only this time I made it the same type of bow I might give to someone like my grandfather.
"Then I misspoke before. It is not only a pleasure, but an honour to meet someone so dear to Himeko."
"See! I told you she would be supportive!"
"Hime, her getting married to another woman is one thing, but she still might have a problem with what we're doing."
That gave me a hint at the situation. Himeko knew that Yuzu had gotten me out of being engaged to Amamiya. She played a part in Yuzu stealing me from my second fiancé. But she only knew a little about what I had been doing around that time.
She knows that I helped Maya and Tomo. Maybe that's why she came to me.
"Are you talking about running before you are forced to get married? Because if so, we can talk to the Taniguchis about using their network."
"We have no intention of running like cowards!"
The woman looked like she might try to attack me just for suggesting to Himeko that they run. Luckily Himeko was not as abrasive.
"Asa, that's not what she meant!"
Himeko just what did you tell her about me? Why is she so ready and willing to pick a fight?!
"Ms Nagasaki, you might not be aware but I was once in an arranged engagement that nearly became a marriage. I also have used my position to help others escape from being forced into relationships they don't want. If you want to help her escape, I will do everything I can to help you. If you decide to do what my wife did and challenge the arrangement, I will openly give you my support and aid. All you need to do is trust me."
"Mei Mei... I have no intention of stopping my marriage. Neither does Asa. She actually works for his family."
I blinked. Himeko had lost her nervousness and was firmly standing in front of me while holding the woman's hand. It was then that I remembered Sayaka saying there was a representative from the Akasawa family here. That family was not one I had much interactions with, but the Momokino family would have. It was very possible that Himeko was engaged to a member of the family and her girlfriend was someone who often acted as a representative. Which would also explain why Himeko would be willing to go through the marriage even with how she reacted before. She was coming to me because she was feeling conflicted but didn't want to humiliate her family or put Asa in potential danger. It was enough to give me an idea.
"I see. So it's a Plan B situation."
"A what?"
Right, I kept you out of the loop because you were dealing with something back then yourself. Well there is too much to explain. Summary it is.
"When I was being forced into an engagement to keep me from Yuzu, I had three plans. Plan A was to give her the opportunity to challenge the engagement. Plan C was running off with her. But Plan B was for me to marry the man but only on paper while we both stayed with the people we actually loved."
"Wait, that's what you were doing all that time?!"
She sounded upset and I could only imagine that she had assumed that I had given up and resigned myself to a loveless marriage. She had been the one to contact Yuzu to tell her that I was likely going to leave the school. So hearing that I had planned to get Yuzu to come for me or was considering running away with her, was tantamount to admitting that I had manipulated her. So the only thing I could do was admit that it was true and apologise.
"Not the entire six months, but yes. As well as helping to plan Maya and Tomo's escape. I'm sorry I never told you."
Himeko went quiet for a moment before she looked to her girlfriend. Oddly enough, Asa seemed to have calmed down when she saw how frustrated Himeko was with me. I'm not sure what they were talking about with just their expressions, but after a minute Asa sighed and looked my way.
"If it's what Hime wants, then yes... we are looking for a Plan B scenario. How would we accomplish that?"
"Is the fiancé a good man, or at least a reasonable one?"
"Yes, though he is a traditionalist."
Then you probably won't need the Mitsuko version. Maybe something closer to what I had done.
"Then confront him together. If he's looking mainly for the ties to the Momokino family, then he will have no reason to say no."
"And that will work?"
I let out a sigh and shrugged. It was impossible to know if it would work, but I wasn't willing to give up and tell them to drug the man so Himeko could slip into another room with her lover.
"You can even suggest that it will endear him to the Aihara family as well."
"Thank you Mei Mei!!"
Once more Himeko pounced on me with a hug that nearly knocked the wind out of me. I reciprocated the hug and made a point to look at Asa as I spoke. Whatever she had heard about me, she was a little too wary of me for my personal comfort.
"Anything for a friend."
The woman nodded her acceptance and a moment later she and Himeko were walking back into the reception hall. I decided to take a moment to catch my breath and relax. Today was turning into quite the event and yet it wasn't horrible. I didn't like that I was having to use my family name in order to help my friends and it was even more upsetting that I was being asked to aid in these situations at my own wedding reception. But at least it was for my friends.
"Excuse me, Lady Aihara. Might I have a moment of your time?"
I didn't know the voice. It was the voice of an older woman. Likely around the age of Lady Shiraho or younger, but the way she spoke was oddly informal despite the clear respect. There was also a nervousness mixed with a strange warmth that reminded me of Mother and Naruka when talking about difficult things from the past. I turned towards the voice and found myself looking at the woman I had seen in the wedding who looked familiar but was a definite stranger to me. As soon as I faced her she seemed to gasp and stiffen. Tears started to fall down her cheeks and she raised a shaky hand to cover her mouth. It was almost like she was seeing a ghost. It was like how Grandfather used to look at me some times. But she composed herself and bowed respectfully.
"My apologies for interrupting your celebration. I just had to see it for myself. Shou had told me, but it was too hard to believe. He wasn't close to her back then. And I didn't know about what happened."
"I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are..."
Why does she look so familiar? Why do I know I've seen her but can't think of where we met?
"No, I don't suppose you would. Even though you look just like her. All except your expression. She rarely would let anyone see her without the biggest smile on her face. Your wife seems to be like that too."
And then I knew who she was and why I recognised her face.
"Are you... Himejima Shoko?!"
"So you do know about me?! That's... surprising. I would have thought that your grandfather would sweep it under the rug."
My mind swam at the strangeness of the moment. While alone on a balcony at my own wedding reception, I was talking to the missing girlfriend of my dead aunt. I walked over to a bench against the walled edge and sat down. After a moment she joined me and I found myself talking with her.
"I found Mika's diaries and photo album. I didn't even know she or you existed until then."
"That sounds more like what I expected..."
But there's still holes in the story! Especially around you.
"What happened to you?! No one knew. Not even Mika or Mother. How could you just vanish like that?!"
Shoko blinked in confusion.
"Why would your mother know anything about my relationship with Mika? From what I remember Saya and Mika hated each other."
She doesn't know that Father married that Ume. Wait but didn't she say she talked with Father?! How?! When?! Why?
"Not Saya. I'm referring to my wife's mother. You would know her as Matashiro Ume. Though now she's Aihara Ume and technically married to my father."
"Your wife is the daughter of Ume?!"
I was glad she didn't seem to catch the last part. It was really complicated to explain the entire situation of my immediate family, especially now that Mother and Father were more of an actual couple thanks to Naruka practically locking them in hotel rooms and diner dates whenever Father was home for a visit. Luckily I had my own question that she had yet to answer.
"What happened back then? Nothing that I read in her diaries or saw in her photos gives any sort of clues as to why you just left her."
"I didn't leave her!! I would never leave Mika! And I only found out that she... I didn't know what happened to her until I saw a picture of you and your wife and thought it was her. I only learned about it because Shou told me."
It was my turn to be the one confused. Everyone I had talked to, every account I could find, had said she disappeared before Mika killed herself. But she was saying she didn't leave Mika. At first it made no sense. And then I realised that it was a matter of wording. Shoko wasn't denying that she disappeared. She was denying that she left Mika. That pointed to something else causing her to disappear.
"Then what happened? Help me understand that much."
And so while in the middle of my wedding reception, I sat on a bench and listened as Shoko explained herself. Mika had approached her at a bar when she was feeling lonely. The younger girl who initiated the relationship. In fact, Shoko had been hesitant because of the fact she was a newly hired university professor and the girl was the age of her perspective students. But Mika had that charisma like Mitsuko and even Yuzu. It was hard for Shoko to deny her feelings because of fear. They started dating and then Mika had surprised her at the university to take the entrance exam, which of course Shoko was initially against. But Mika had convinced her to allow the girl to try as long as she promised never to be Shoko's student. The two had an almost idyllic relationship that surprisingly grew deeper once Mika and Ume started dating. Shoko explained that she had been so willing to encourage Mika to be with Ume because she was getting comments and questions from the other teachers and even some students. She was having to make herself busy to avoid her relationship from being exposed, and she hated that she had to not go on dates and insist on nights in. So she had asked Ume to step in whenever she needed to make some temporary distance. It created an interesting and loving dynamic because she refused to hide her reasoning with Mika and eventually made a point to go out on interesting group dates with the girls and Ichi. In fact the picture of the three of them had been a very special date because it was the night when Shoko decided that she would propose on New Year's, and it was the night that she learned that Mika had fallen in love with Ume and wasn't just attracted or casually involved with the girl. The woman admitted that she was nervous about how that would play out but it was because Ume was already openly dating two other people. She didn't know if Mika's feelings were reciprocated. But then she didn't have the chance to find out. The very next morning she was confronted by two boys. One she revealed was actually someone that Ume and Ichi had warned her was seen watching Mika and might be a stalker. The boys were clearly drunk and spewing bigoted nonsense but Shoko didn't budge an inch from preventing them from taking another step on her property and even called campus security on them. However a few hours later she was called by the school board and told that she was suspended pending investigation into her relationship with Mika. The days that followed were filled with ever worsening accusations and revelations as someone figured out who Mika was and told a newspaper that circulated in traditionalist circles. All leading up to the night when she was planning on asking Mika if she wanted to run off and get married. She had no idea what to do about Ume and didn't want to drag anyone else into the mess. But just as Mika agreed to meet, she was confronted by large armed men and thrown into a car. A man then told her that she would be leaving Japan that night as a gift to the Aihara family. She was put on a plane and taken overseas with just enough money to survive for a few weeks. She didn't return because they had threatened to kill Mika if she made contact with the girl again.
"I was fortunate to get a job teaching and eventually started working with a company that builds schools as a curriculum writer. That's how I ran into Shou."
I blinked. It was a little bit strange to finally have answers to what had happened and yet not be able to wrap my head around the motives for the people who abducted her. It didn't seem like Grandfather had known about that part at all, and had actually given off the impression that he thought she had run and left Mika to face everything alone. To then hear that Father had started working with Shoko, was a shock.
"I knew who he was and for a while I thought he was there to keep an eye on me or something. But I learned that he had abandoned his father's ideology and his actual reason for joining the company. Eventually I learned that he had known who I was because of Mika's photos, and so I told him about my kidnapping."
I had so many questions, but none felt like they were appropriate for the moment. So I just let her continue uninterrupted.
"A few years ago, he was reading a letter and I saw a photo of you and your then girlfriend. At first glance I thought I was seeing an old photo of Mika with someone new. It was a bittersweet moment for me, because I wanted to be with her still. Yet I was determined to be happy for her and so I told him I was glad she still had someone. That's when he told me what had happened. I spent a month coming to terms with that loss. When I heard you were getting married, I had to see for myself. I just... I wanted to... thank you, for doing what I always wanted for her."
Finally I couldn't stay silent. It frightened me that so many people saw Mika when they looked at me and was willing to consider me a replacement for her.
"I'm not her."
Shoko smiled and nodded as if my statement had been anticipated. She let out a sigh and with it I felt the years of loneliness she carried and the sorrow of the loss of the girl she loved. When she spoke however, there was a slight tone of acceptance of things as though she had just been waiting for this moment to confirm that Mika really was gone.
"No, I know you're not. From the letters your father was willing to share, I saw a strength of will that Mika never had and didn't seem to need. She wasn't weak, but she didn't know how to fight for things until she was with me and Ume. Still... you look so much like her that I wanted to watch you get married as a sort of wish fulfilment. Seeing you get married to the girl you love, was almost like I got to watch her walk down the aisle. So thank you for that."
"Mei? They told me you were out here. Yuzu is wanting to cut the cake and before that I wanted to..."
Both Shoko and I had been startled by the new voice and this time I was instantly aware of the significance of who was speaking. I quickly took hold of the older woman's hand to stop her from any instinct to run or hide. If I was going to be dealing with the fact I looked like my aunt, I was going to use it to help these two women reconcile with their shared past. I looked over just as Mother and Naruka walked out onto the balcony and saw that I wasn't alone. I knew Mother recognised who I was with immediately by how her voice died in the middle of her comment. If Shoko had been brought to tears at seeing a ghost from her past, Mother was shaking with shock and a mixture of intense emotions at this impossible moment.
"Shoko?!"
There was so much pain and sorrow in her voice. Shoko turned pale and looked towards the woman who had been Mika's other girlfriend. The tension was so thick that I felt like I couldn't breathe. I glanced to Naruka and tried to inform her that she needed to make sure nothing happened. She immediately took Mother's hand. Almost as if the touch had been a trigger, Mother found the words she wanted to say.
"Where have you been all this time?!"
"Mother..."
I stood and tried to step in front of Shoko, but the woman surprised me by walking right up to Mother and placing a tender hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Ume."
"Sorry?!"
It was the most predictable reaction, but still shocking to actually witness. Mother reared back and smacked Shoko with her free hand. I was just impressed that she hadn't punched the woman. Naruka wrapped her arms around her girlfriend and tried to pull her away from the older woman.
"Ume..."
"No, Nacchan! She disappeared! Mika's world was falling apart, and she just vanished! I thought she might be dead! Mika spent her last night with me because this woman was gone! I was the one who found her body in that bathtub!! I went through hell that day, because she wasn't there! Now she's back as if nothing happened and talking to the one girl who looks exactly like Mika did that night?! And I'm supposed to accept a simple sorry?!"
"Mother!"
I rushed over to make sure Shoko wasn't seriously hurt and was waved off as she straightened and once more walked over to stand in front of Mother.
"It's alright, child. She has more right than anyone to be upset. It is actually reassuring to see someone else who is angry and in pain because of what happened back then. No one would have told her that I was taken from my home and put on a plane with a threat that if I resisted Mika would be harmed. Just like no one told me for years that Mika had taken her own life shortly after. We were all robbed of our future that night."
"Why didn't you come back?! Why didn't you reach out and tell me what happened?!"
Mother tried a few more swings and kicks in waning anger and peaking sadness. She was crying and clinging to Naruka however she could to keep herself from crumpling to the ground. Shoko just stood there and let Mother throw all of the rage and pain she had kept buried at the person she wanted to blame.
"I was told that if I did anything, they'd hurt her. I was exiled so they could get close with the old man."
"But then... why now? Why are you here?"
"Because Shou invited me. One last look at what might have been and a chance to set some things right."
Shoko then pulled down the collar of her dress and slipped out a necklace. It wasn't a ring on a chain like Yuzu and I were planning to keep wearing despite getting new rings for the wedding. Instead it was a simple pendant with the picture of Mika, Mother, and her on one side and their names etched on the back. Mother's eyes went wide with shock.
"You kept it?!"
"Always. I could never abandon my girls. We weren't as close as I or you were with Mika, but you were someone she loved with all her heart. That means I love you too."
As Naruka held Ume and I watched from the side, Shoko reached out and tenderly cupped Mother's cheek.
"I am so sorry that I wasn't here when you needed me, and I am so proud of you for protecting these two girls like I should have protected you and Mika."
It was the last straw. Mother ripped herself out of Naruka's arms and wrapped herself around Shoko as she sobbed. The older woman held her and comforted her in a way that almost seemed maternal. Then she locked eyes with the staring Naruka.
"Are you the one Mika and Ume told me about back then? Naruka?"
Mother's girlfriend was at a loss for words. All she could manage was a stunned nod. Shoko gave her a soft smile. It was the same type of smile Naruka herself often gave me. Then the older woman freed one of her arms to motion for Naruka to join the hug. She did and it even seemed like she was letting down some wall that I had never been aware of. Naruka clung to Mother who clung to her, and both were enveloped by Shoko as they cried. Then Shoko spoke to Naruka.
"Thank you for always loving our girl. I know Mika would have fallen for you as well. Take care of Ume for us. She might be strong, but she always did forget that she needs someone to be weak with. I'm glad it's still you. And Ume, I promise to look after that husband of yours when we're working. But you must promise to let me know how I can help too, okay?"
She then kissed both of them on the tops of their heads and looked towards me.
"It was the deepest pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Mei. And thank you for making this possible."
And with that she let go of Mother and Naruka and turned to leave. Mother however immediately grabbed her arm.
"Wait! Naruka could you get Shou and Yuzu?"
Without a question, Naruka walked back into the reception hall. Shoko turned to stare at the younger woman and I could see a touch of sadness and heartbreak flash between their gazes. Shoko had thought this reconciliation was over and that she would have to return to her exile, while Mother was afraid of losing her all over again. The older woman tried to pull herself free.
"Ume..."
"I have something that I need to announce to our family and that includes you, you old hawk."
"I haven't been in your life for over a decade. I hardly count as family now. And watch your mouth you little tomcat! I know it was you who got Mika to call me names when we were together."
Instantly I understood what the relationship between these two had been and I stifled the urge to laugh. It was me and Matsuri. The two continued to argue and call each other names up until Naruka returned with Father and Yuzu. I walked over to meet my wife and take a hold of her hand as Mother pulled Shoko to stand near Naruka and moved to stand next to Father, who was looking sheepish.
"Girls, I know it's your special day. But with everything going on, this feels like the perfect time to tell you."
She then glanced over at Father and then Naruka before putting a hand on her stomach and smiling. Shoko and I both caught our breath as what she was about to say became obvious.
"It seems that you're both about to become big sisters to a little girl."
Yuzu let out a squeal of excitement and rushed over to hug Mother and started pestering her with questions. I meanwhile looked towards my father who was scratching the back of his head and chuckling in embarrassment. I walked over and gave him a hug.
"Congratulations, Father."
"Uh... hehe, thank you, Mei. It actually came as a surprise when she called to tell me a few months ago."
"A few months?!"
Overhearing our conversation, Yuzu's excitement turned to jilted anger. She did not like being the last to hear good news.
"How long have you been pregnant?!"
"I'm in my second trimester and will start showing soon. I didn't want to distract you two while you were focused on the wedding."
As Mother spoke, she reached out to take Father and Naruka by the hand. Something told me that if anything Naruka might have been more responsible for this happy occurrence than my father. She had been pretty much responsible for the deepening of their relationship. I had to wonder if she had done similar things when Mother was with Yuzu's father. I walked over and hugged Mother alongside Yuzu.
"Congratulations, Mother."
"Yeah! Congrats, Mama!"
"Thank you!!! And I'm so happy and proud of you two!!"
Like Shoko had done with her and Naruka earlier, Mother kissed the tops of Yuzu's and my heads.
"Now, don't you two have a cake that needs to be cut?"
"Oh, yeah! Come on, Mei!!"
And just like that, I was whisked away by Yuzu and found myself back in the party. At our reappearance, everyone started clapping. I looked around and saw all our friends and family as we rushed by. It was bewildering and yet because she was there, I was happy. We got to the giant cake where another adorable bear plushy sat in a suit and top hat on the smaller cake top. Ansoniko and my patchwork plushy were back at the table in their little handmade wedding dresses.
Hilariously, we weren't given knives to cut the cake. Instead, Mother or Yuzu had decided to make a little joke with the utensils. There was a ridiculously long pale lavender ribbon tied around a small spoon. Yuzu, laughing gleefully, bent down and picked up a giant spoon with an large orange bow tied around it.
Just in case there was any doubt about our typical positioning?!
Using these ridiculous implements, we attempted to dig into the cake. Somehow Yuzu managed to get a bite sized bit of cake. I hilariously got a giant piece that was hard to keep on the spoon. Yuzu was having so much fun and kept giggling as she used her spoon to feed me the bite of cake, meanwhile I was having trouble getting my piece in a position for her to eat. The outcome was a one sided mess that I then tried to clean as Yuzu licked frosting from her face. Eventually I gave up being appropriate and used my finger to steal some frosting from her face and lick it off like I had back on our date that hadn't been a date. That triggered Yuzu to take my spoon and get another larger piece of cake that we then shared before kissing. That caused a few of our friends— most likely Maya and Tomo, as well as Yuzu's old middle school friends who turned out to be a closeted couple Kana and Manami— to whoop and holler. Normally that would have caused us both to blush and part, but today instead we were so open about everything and the happiness was so high that all that happened was she giggled and held me close as she waved to our guests. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.