Secrets, Socials, and Seigaku

Chapter 4

“Daddy what are you doin’?” From as far as I could tell he was packing all of his clothes in a suitcase and other necessities. He turned around and looked at me with bags under his eyes. He hadn’t slept in weeks; it was almost painful to watch him do this to himself. He tried to smile for me, but it just came out mangled. “I’m leaving sweetie.” He told me softly.

“What? You can’t just leave me here. Please don’t go.” The little me started tearing up. “It’s not fair! You can’t go! I won’t let you! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!” I screamed at him! I was having a full on hissy fit now. Then a simple solution popped up in that nine-year-old head of mine. I stopped crying as he kept packing and talking with his back facing me. I guess it was too painful to watch me. 

“Don’t worry Clair. A good friend of mine said he would take care of you. He’s really nice and so is his family. He has a little boy three years younger than you too. I’ll be back for you, daddy just has to straighten himself out first so he can be an even better fathrrt for you, okay?”

“No.” I told him.

”What was that Clair?” he was still packing I had to get him to look at me.“I said no, I won’t go.“

He looked at me and turned around this time and bent down to my level so we were nose-to-nose. “Listen Clair, this man is very good I promise you’ll like him. Besid-. “I  grabbed his arm with my little hands, and talked calmly.

“You’re wrong. I won’t like him.“

He looked at me patiently. “Clair trust me you will-.“

I raised my voice this time. “I won’t like him because he’s not you!”

It was silent. I looked up at his face, he looked heartbroken. He pulled me into a hug and whispered in my ear. ”What do you want me to do Clair? Your mother left me, and because of me she left you too. I don’t know how to take care of a child! That was what your mother promised to do!”

I hugged back. ”Then take me with you. I’ll follow you wherever you go. You don’t have to be beside me all the time. I can take care of myself too. You can do your job, just let me tag along I promise I’ll be good.” I started crying. ”Just please don’t send me away daddy, please?”

He hugged me even harder. “You can follow me around the world honey. It’ll be you and me we’ll start a new life. It’ll be our own little adventure.”

                                                2 years later 

I was eleven now. We were now driving in the car. Dad told me he wanted me to meet a friend of his in New York, New York. “Dad as long as I get to do some shopping and can rally a bit then I’m fine with however long you want to stay.” I told him.

He smiled at me. “Good, then you’ll love this guy.” He retorted.

I looked at him confused. ”What do you mean?”

“It’s a surprise, just wait till we get there. Hey, You brought your racket with you right?”

I looked at him as if he told a bad joke. “Of course, I don’t leave home without it.”

He pulled up into a park. “Good, you’ll need it.” he told me with a wink. 

He turned off the car and got out. I followed right behind him looking at all the scenery. Then he abruptly stopped. I ran face first into his back. “Thanks for the warning Dad.” I told him sarcastically.

He ignored me and walked up to someone else. They shook hands and started talking for a second, until the other man looked to me and smiled. I gave him a wave accompanued by a cautious stare. My dad caught my stare and motioned me over. I cautiously walked over to my dad, while keeping at a safe distance from the stranger in front of me. “Dad, who is this guy?” 

Dad chuckled. ”Clair this is the man I’m always telling you about. The tennis player.” All of a sudden everything in my head clicked. I came out from behind my dad and held my hand out towards him. He looked at me with surprise. “My name is Clair Brown, it’s an honor to meet you Mr. Echizen!” He started laughing, but shook my hand anyway. ”No need to be so formal Clair! After all, me and you are practically going to be family soon.”

I gave him a confused glance. What did he mean? My dad decided to speak up at this time. “You see Clair we’re going to be staying here for six months or so, and Nanjiro offered to give us a place to stay. Isn’t that nice?”

My mind went blank. I was going to be staying with THE Nanjiro Echizen? THE world renound tennis player? Am I dreaming? All of a sudden I saw something behind Nanjiro, well more like someone. There was a little boy who looked to be around nine standing behind Nanjiro. He wasn’t hiding. He just looked bored to be there. Nanjiro followed my stare. “This-“ he pushed the boy forward in front of me. ”Is my son Ryoma.”

I didn’t know he had a son. ”Please look after him while you’re in our care.”

“I will look after him with my life.” I promised him holding a hand over my heart. The two adults ended up laughing.

                                                            Present Day

 “And that’s how I know Echizen. We grew up together for about sixto seven months.” Everyone looked deep in thought. Except Inui, he was righting down data about me throughout my whole story. I looked up at the clock it was getting close to 9:00 PM. “Helloooo? Guys? Are you awake?” Momo looked upset. ”What’s wrong Momo?”

He looked up at me with his violet eyes piercing right through me. “You didn’t tell us you could play tennis.” I froze. Shit! That’s right! What do I do! I said the first thing that came to mind. “Notice how I said use to Momo, as in not anymore.” He looked at me skeptically. I guess I should have seen the next question coming.

“Well, Why not?” He pushed on.

Okay, so I guess I set myself up for this one. I looked up to the clock again and started acting. “Oh My God! Is that the time!" I stood up quickly. "My dad is going to kill me! Sorry guys I have to go!” I grabbed my stuff and opened the door. I stopped at the entrance and turned toward them.”Thanks for the food, and I’ll see you guys Monday. Bye bye!”

I slammed the door and ran down the street making my way to my house. That was a close call. They almost found out, although I guess I left them a bit suspicious. No matter, I have all weekend to think of an excuse. I opened the door to my apartment that my dad and I shared and walked in. He said he wouldn’t be home tonight and would be staying with a friend of his for work. I told him I didn’t mind, which I didn’t it was nice to have some alone time. I hopped into my PJ’s and turned off all the lights and climbed into bed. It was definitely a good idea to move here.