Love Begins with you

Sixth Chapter

“Shiro, darling, shouldn't you choose a lighter shade for the reception?”

“Darling, not this one. The guests will be appalled at this choice.”

“Are you sure you wear this size? Looks awful snug. Have you gained weight perhaps?”

“Shiro, this one…”

“Darling, about the guest list…”

“Should we have…”

“Do you think…”

I landed several more hits onto the sandbag. My head was about to explode with everything that has been going on with my mother. Takashi has been strangely absent with all that has been going on. Hence the reason I was constantly with my mother these past few days.

So far, I have been forcibly dropped from both colleges. Kidnapped for wedding shopping and verbally abused in public on many occasions. Several tears fell onto the stone that made up the outdoor training area. I was hurt beyond words by a woman who should be unable to touch me. But here I am. Feeling like a helpless child in that same dark room.

Takashi has yet to return home from visiting a friend. He left the day after our little distraction date. Leaving me on my own.

“Shiro, do clean up, we have cakes to sample. And you have yet to settle on your dress. Honestly, I have never seen a more picky bride.”

My mother jabbed while flaunting her freshly permed hair. I let loose another flurry of hits before straightening up. “Of course, Mother.” A last round house kick and I was climbing through my bedroom window to get a quick shower. Somehow, I have managed to keep in mother's relatively good graces. I have not been hit, threatened or kept in the dark. The verbal abuse is all she's given me so far.

After a cold shower, I slipped on a short, blue sundress and sandals. This should keep me in the clear for at least another hour. I thought while snagging my phone. “Shiro, darling. We don't have all day.” The velvety voice of my mother called from the living room. “I'm coming…”
*~*~*
Finally. I had made my mother happy. My gown was in the limo. The cake was ordered. Decor picked out and given to the coordinator. A shrine picked out for the ceremony. Invitations written up, and, last but not least, the reception dinner was chosen.

I could have cried had my mother let me go home. Just a few hours of sleep, that all I wanted. But no, I had to see father before that. Straightening my posture, I went I side my family home. I could hear the news playing somewhere in the house. My muscles tensed with a few bad memories whenever father turned the TV on. Nonsense, why would mother wish to punish me when I did everything she asked of me today? I haven't even complained once today. Not a single negative word left my lips today. So, no reason to be...scared…

My father. A proud man when it came to his work at the dojo and social status. But behind closed doors, the man was a drunkard. And not a very nice one at that. My hands curled into tight fists as the man's gaze shifted to me. Glazed expression turned sour in an instant. “Filthy brat. You been harasin’ my wife again?” Mother stepped away from me and left the room. What did I do wrong? Did I say something? Move a certain way? Was my body language the opposite of what I said?

Panic was setting in as my father stepped closer. Takashi, where are you? The first hit didn't register until I was sprawled on the floor. The kick to the ribs was instant pain. Less than a month until the wedding and this was how they treated their daughter? For what? Some sick pleasure of beating someone who would never hit their parent? I yelped at the kick to my side.

After several more hits of various types, my father relented and picked up his drink. The man took a large swig before the bottle broke on my shoulder. “Go get cleaned up.” I didn't hesitate nor did I stumble on my way to the bathroom. A single glance to the mirror was all it took to break my emotional barrier. Tears cascaded down my bruised cheeks uncontrolled. I quickly flipped on the hot water at the sink and grabbed a washcloth.