First Love

Chapter 13

"What the hell happened to you two?" Jiro asked as his eyes traveled back and forth from me to Kei. None of us uttered a word. I felt guilt creep up on me for not telling him.

"It was just an accident." I tried to lighten the heavy atmosphere. "Anyway, how was the competition?" Jiro eyed me for a moment.

"I got third place," he finally answered. "So, how --"

"Hello!" Amanda's cheerful voice interrupted Jiro, I couldn't be any more grateful.

"You knew about this, didn't you, mom?" I could tell he was angry and disappointed.

"I told her not to tell you, Jiro," I blurted out.

"What? Why?"

"I just didn't want you to worry."

"So now I don't even have the right to worry about my friend or my own brother."

"That's not what I meant, it's just that I wanted you to focus on your competition. I know how --"

"Stop," Jiro yelled. "I would have preferred to know about somebody I care about getting hurt. Do you remember when Kei had the accident?" Kei's body jolted as if an electric wave went through him.

"I --" Jiro held his hand up stopping me from finishing. He turned around and took the stairs to his room.

"He'll get over it." Amanda padded my shoulder. "How are you feeling, dear?"

"Much better, thank you."

"And what happened to you?" Amanda looked at Kei with wondering eyes.

"Just a fight, mom. By the way, where is dad?"

"He never made it to Hiroshima. He is still in Osaka taking care of business." A cloud of sadness passed through her eyes. "Anyway, I am so tired, I am going to sleep." Amanda took her bag and left Kei and I in the living room.

"Well, that went well," Kei joked.

"Shut up, Kei."

"Mom is right, he will get over it."

"I hope so."

"You want me to walk you to your room?" Kei said as he pushed to his feet.

"Sure." We slowly made it to my door. Kei leaned closer and whispered.

"It is a shame that I will be sleeping alone tonight. I was starting to get used to sharing a bed with you." I felt my temperature rise like a thermometer. To be honest, I had the same feeling, but it was too embarrassing to share that thought. Kei kissed me, right on the edge of my jaw. It sent shivers down my spine.

'He's such a tease.'

"Goodnight babe." He whispered again.

"Good night."

A week had passed without Jiro talking to me. I was feeling better physically but I was so worried because Jiro seemed like he wasn't getting over the incident. I was starting to get a little upset with him. He was such a drama queen.

"... Sam!"

"Yeah, what's up Yoko."

"I called you like ten times."

"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about Jiro." Yoko shifted in her seat. She seemed uncomfortable.

"He still hasn't talked to you?"

"Yeah, it's been a week. I don't know what I should do."

"I have an idea." Yoko had a mischievous look in her face which made me smile. She took my hand and pulled me up from my seat. "Follow me." We walked to one of the cleaning supplies closets and Yoko shoved me inside. "Wait here."