Rule Four || Dream

⏮ Red String: 9⏮

{Shizuka}

Erie wouldn't stop begging me to tell her what happened at the doctor. She would call many times, try to pull me away during rehearsals, and would even visit me when Hiroshi wasn't home. I knew I couldn't avoid her forever, but I couldn't face her at the moment.

The twelve week mark was approaching. After twelve weeks, it'll be harder to have an abortion, and might hurt me. Each day I get closer, I have a strong feeling to keep the baby.

I still think about Aya's scenario. But there's a possibility that it won't happen. Right?

Currently, we were back at my house, with the youngest still asking questions about my appointment.

"Please, Shi-chan?" Erie wrapped her arms around my neck. She used her blue eyes to gaze into mine.

"It was nothing for you to worry about, Erie," I tried to say to her, for the millionth time.

"Yes, it is. I know you're worrying over something. It's written all over your beautiful face. Please tell me! Please?"

It was cute how she knew so much about me. It made me wonder if Hiroshi spotted out things about me. At the thought of my boyfriend, I quickly pulled away from Erie. He doesn't know about Erie being over when he's gone. He doesn't even know that we used to date!

"What? What happened?" She asked.

"You need to leave. You're not even supposed to be here."

"I won't get caught by Hiroshi-kun! Besides, he'll understand if he sees us together--"

"Erie, no. I love you so much, but I can't cheat on your cousin with you. It's wrong."

"But I had you first!" Erie argued.

I ran a hand through my hair. "I know, I know. But I never cheated on you, Erie. I've never cheated. I'm not going to start now."

Erie frowned at me. "Then I'll make him cheat. Or do something!"

"He's your cousin, Erie. Do you not care about his happiness?"

"...Does he make you happy?"

I should have known Erie would ask a question like that. And, of course, I didn't want to answer it. If I said he did, she would be sad. But I was also afraid if I said he didn't, she would question why and get all defensive since they're cousins.

"Just tell me the truth," she said, clearly noticing my hesitation.

What do I do? What do I do? WHAT DO I DO?

Just at that moment, the door opened, and I heard Hiroshi talking. It seemed like he was talking on the phone, but I didn't care. I sighed in relief, and walked out the living room to greet him.

Hiroshi smiled when he saw me, an arm full of groceries. I helped him by taking some bags, and he kissed me on the cheek. Almost immediately, I started blushing, and Hiroshi ended the phone call.

"You're so cute when you blush," he said, smiling still.

I playfully hit his chest. "I am not."

"Are to."

"Are not!"

"Are to--"

Somebody cleared their throat, and we turned to see Erie crossing her arms at us. I blushed harder and looked down, while Hiroshi actually smiled at Erie. Of course. He doesn't know a thing.

"Erie! Here again? What for?" Hiroshi asked, walking past me towards Erie.

The raven smiled at her cousin like nothing was wrong. "Oh, no reason. To talk to Nishida-sensei about AS Girls."