Keep It Together (OHSHC/Hikaru Love Story)

Chapter 4

My bedroom at the Suoh Estate was much larger than the one Mama owned when I was fourteen. The walls had been painted blue, and the bed was a darker shade of the same color. While I guess one could say it was grand, it wasn't very personalized. In fact, for someone of my status, it was pretty standard. I really didn't care much for it. It was just a place I had to live in.

I finally finished unpacking my things when I heard, "You know, the servants could have done that for you." I smiled hearing the French words. While I spoke Japanese just fine, though I would accidentally mix in French words, I much rather have spoke my native tongue.

I sat on the bed and shrugged, "I don't trust new staff. They don't know me, and I don't know them. I rather place my possessions where I know they'll be tomorrow."

Tamaki took only one step into my bedroom, "They aren't bad people."

"I'm sure they aren't, but that doesn't stop my paranoia," I said.

There was a moment of silence before he shut the door behind him. Then, he asked, "How is Mother?"

I frowned, "You know I can't tell you that."

"Grandmother won't know."

"She always knows. I doubt these walls are exactly soundproof," I protested. The look on his face was confirmation of my statement. "Does she live with us?"

"No, but she's staying the night. I understand why, now," Tamaki replied.

I grimaced, "Good. I don't want to be near her."

He argued, "You shouldn't say that about her."

I continued, "She's a nasty old woman. She treats us like we should be grateful that her family is caring for us, even though we're illegitimate. It makes me sick. We shouldn't be treated like prisoners by her." He said nothing that time. I raised an eyebrow. "You do feel the same?" I sighed. "I'm not surprised."

He didn't respond to that but asked, "Why did you really come here, Amarante?"

"The same reason as you. Grandmother," I shrugged.

"But why did she want you here?" he pressed.

"If I knew, I would tell you, but I don't. She just appeared the other day and threatened to stop paying Mama's medical bills again. Mama was just starting to get better after her recent relapse.... I couldn't let that happen." I sighed and looked at my hands in my lap. "We're in the same position now, René. I can't contact her anymore. I know the phone number, but she'll know if I call. I can't see her again. Grandmother doesn't want me associated with her...." I balled up my hands to keep in the sadness and fury I was feeling about the situation. She said she wouldn't bother us any longer if Tamaki or I went with her the first time, but she lied and went back on her word for the second time since. Even worse, I couldn't do a thing about it. She held all the cards. Mother's health meant more to me.