Loved

18.

Ichiru stayed home with me all day. I didn't want to be alone. We stayed cuddling on the couch. Ichiru just sits there, petting my hair and singing to me occasionally. I haven't said anything for a while.

I finally muster up the courage to speak, "Ichiru...?"

"Yes, Yui?" He had concern in his voice.

Just hearing his voice made me smile. "I love you..."

I can feel Ichiru stiffen a little then he losses up a bit. "Heh... I love you too, bear."

We sit in comfortable silence for a few more minutes. Then the phone rings. I get off of the couch and go to the house phone. I answer only to hear the sweet nurse's voice.

"Hello? Susuki Yuichi?"

"Y-yeah...."

"Oh, I'm so sorry son. But...." she pauses, "your mother didn't make it. She passed only 20 minutes ago."

My heart stops for a split second. "W-what?"

"You're mother has passed. I am so sorry for your loss."

"D-does that mean the.... baby didn't make it either?" I can barely get the words out.

"We were able to save the child. Although it was born early, so it has some birth defects. It is still very weak and it's very small."

"Was it a boy or a girl?"

"A girl. If you would like, we can keep the child and put it up for adoption when she's well enough."

"No." I can't lose all that's left of my family. "I'll keep her. You can keep her at the hospital until she is well, but I will visit her everyday and you will not give her to any other family."

"Alright. But, how old are you?"

I forgot you had to be a certain age. I hope I'm old enough. "I'm 18 years old, ma'am."

"You're pushing the age limit, kid. You're only barely old enough to keep custody of her. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I'm positive. Now, her name.... is..... Kaila. Named after my mother."

"Alright. If you would like, you can visit her now, but you won't be able to hold her. She is far to fragile."

"Okay, thank you." I hang up the phone and turn to Ichiru, who is standing in the doorway. I stare at him for a second before I run up to him and hug him tightly.

"Woah, what's wrong? What happened?" He asks worriedly.

I sob into his chest. "My..... mom..... died!" I barely got the words out before choking on sobs.

He hugs me tightly and kisses my forehead. "Sh sh sh.... it's okay... it'll be alright. I'm here for you... you'll be okay."

I sob a bit more. "I..... I have a sister....." I say in between sobs. "I'm.... going to... take care of.... her..." I say choking on my words a bit. It feels so weird saying those words.

Ichiru just hugs me even tighter. We stay like that for a while until I calm down. I then tell him that I'm going to see her. My sister. He nods and holds my hands in his, "I'll be there. Through thick and thin."

I nod.

I'm coming..... Kaila....