First Love

Chapter 16

It was nine o'clock. I got out of bed and walked to the bathroom to wash my face. I went downstairs, expecting the infamous Sunday breakfast but all I found was Mr. Kenji drinking coffee and the boys eating cereal. Amanda wasn't there.

"Good morning," I said, and they all returned my greeting.

I sat at the table and had a bowl of cereal too. It was too silent, too depressing. Suddenly, Mr. Kenji stood up from his chair.

"We will be leaving at eleven thirty, so be ready," he said. "Sorry Sam, you have to spend the afternoon alone," he added, giving me an apologetic look.

"Oh, it's ok, I have homework I need to finish." I smiled.

"Ok, good." Then he left the room.

"Where is your mom?"

"I think she's still in bed," Jiro answered before he took his empty bowl to the sink. "I'm going to take a shower first," he announced, not waiting for an answer from his brother. He ran upstairs.

"Is it a big deal that you guys are going to your grand father's house?" I asked Kei. I was curious as to what the problem was. I felt clueless.

"My mom never had a good relationship with my dad's family. They never accepted that he had married an American woman." My eyes widened at the revelation.

'So that's the cause of all the fights. But Kei's parents love each other so much that nothing would affect their marriage. Right?'

Two lips brushed against my cheek and broke my reverie.

"My morning kiss," Kei said with a grin. I pushed to my feet and put my arms around his neck. He wasn't expecting that.

"Are you going to start stealing those kisses?" I purred seductively. Kei immediately claimed my lips in a passionate kiss.

"If I have to, Miss Martin, I will," he whispered.

Lately we haven't been caring whether our relationship was found out by Kei's parents. Jiro had walked in on us a few times while we were kissing. But Mr. Kenji and Amanda didn't know anything yet. I was thinking of discussing telling them with Kei, but I decided that it wasn't the right timing.

"How long is the meeting going to take?" I asked.

"I think we'll be back in the evening around seven or so. Why? Are you going to miss me?"

"No," I answered quickly.

"Oh really?" Kei's lips barely touched mine when someone cleared their throat. I nearly jumped. Thankfully, it was just Jiro.

"I'm done with the shower," he said bitterly and then walked back upstairs.

"I better go get ready, dad is always on edge when he's about to see Mr. Ryota Ichihara." He gave me a quick peck on the cheek and left me in the dining room.

I cleared the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher. Then, I sat in front of the TV before Mr. Kenji came downstairs. He was wearing a black kimono. Then I saw Amanda, who was also wearing a kimono. Hers was cobalt blue with colorful Sakura shapes on it and an orange obi-age. Her golden hair was flawlessly put into a low bun. She looked so classy.

"Come on boys, we are going to be late," Mr. Kenji yelled as he put on his geta. I walked to the entrance when he was leaving. "See you later, Sam," he said as he closed the door behind him.

"Bye."

"Sam honey, there are leftovers in the fridge. Or you can just order something, there is money in the drawer by the phone, ok?"