Through Thick and Thin

Mother Doesn't Always Know Best

Around 7 am, I woke up. When I looked around my hospital room, there was no one there. That gives me enough time to get ready for Kazuto. I just hope I can remember him. I can't imagine what he must be feeling. I pushed my thoughts aside and I went straight to work.

I got in the shower. After I did so, I picked out some silky rose pink pajamas with gray polka dots. I looked at myself in the mirror for a few seconds, determining what I should do with my hair and makeup. I decided to put my hair half up and down with a gray scrunchie. Since, my face is clear, I knew foundation and concealer wasn't a need. I gave myself a beige smokey eye, curled my eyelashes, and applied some mascara to make my eyes pop. My cheeks looked a little bare, so I put on some beige blush and silver highlighter. And, a little rose lip gloss to finish it off.

I laid down in my bed for a moment, as I felt my eyes get heavier... And heavier... I jump awake. What time is it? 9?! It has already been 2 hours?! No way. I get up and check if my makeup got messed up. It hadn't, but my hair was slightly messy. I redo it and when I am almost finished, I hear footsteps. Don't tell me that is Kazuto! I run to the other side of the room and spray my blackberry scented perfume on for the 3rd time. I have to look good. First impressions are everything. They make a HUGE impact. Well... He knows me already... I just don't know him...

"Oh, Asuna... Why are you making such a big deal out of a guy you don't even know? I mean, for all you know he could just be a jerk."

"Mom?! What are you doing here?"

Her black high heels clicked as she strutted across the room to me, "To see you, of course. Also, to get these disgusting thoughts out of your head. It was better that you forgot that boy. He is nothing but trouble for you and our family."

I took a breath, rolled my shoulders back, and lifted my chin slightly higher. I need to show her that I can handle things on my own. To do that, I need to show her how confident and assertive I can be, "Let me decide that for myself, mother. I think you and I have very different definitions of trouble. Besides, it has been a while since I talked with anyone but you and dad. It would be a good experience for me."

"Fine, but don't come whining to me when he breaks your heart," She checks her watch, looking up at me once more, "I best be on my way. I have a meeting in 30 minutes."

"Already?"

"Yes, I was planning on staying long. I just wanted to remind you of a couple things. Make sure to put your dirty clothes in a bag by the door, so your father can pick them up when he visits. Also, keep up on your diet. When you get out, I have a couple dates planned. And, make sure to stay organized and don't unpack so much, so we can get out of this place as soon as possible. Goodbye, sweetie! Good luck with Kazuto! You'll need it."

As she pranced to the door, I noticed a smirk appear on her face. What was she so happy about? What did she mean by I'll need it? Did she plan to have this visit fail in some way? If so, what is it?  I mean, how bad could he be to take messed up precautions like these? I had so many questions spiraling in my head. All of which cannot be answered unless I made even more assumptions and I am anxious enough. I don't need anymore of this. I am stressed enough.

"Good morning, Asuna."

I snapped out of my daze. Kazuto's here! Come on, Asuna. He is right in front of you! Get yourself together! I wonder how long I have been standing here, just looking off into space... I mentally slapped myself. I hope he doesn't think anything of it. Let's hope he doesn't.

"You ok, over there?"

"Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. I wasn't expecting you here so early."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I come too early for you? I could come back la--"

"No! Don't worry about it. I have been up for a while now."

I took a deep breath as we stood there for a minute, staring at each other. I didn't know whether his gaze had romantic intentions in mind or if he was spacing out. I mean, I couldn't blame him. I mean, these past few minutes that's all I have been doing.

After about a minute of this, I took a step back to observe him overall. Kazuto was wearing dark gray jeans with a black leather belt with a silver buckle. Not to mention, his one silver ball earring in his left ear, a loose silver chain and some black converse with a pair of white socks. Just looking at his outfit, I assumed it was probably the only white piece of clothing he owned. Not that it mattered or I cared. Kazuto's shirt was dark gray with white lettering. His black baggy Tap-Out hoodie covered most of it, so I couldn't make out what it said. Kazuto was skinny with slight muscle. His raven hair was parted mostly to the right side of his face, slightly in his eyes. His eyes, a shade of pale gray. His face was clear of any acne, but he had a slight blush to his cheeks. Was he nervous as I was? Honestly, Kazuto is an attractive guy.

"Asuna? Are you just going to stare at me all day? I mean, I don't mind that much but... I would like to talk to you more. You know, to see how you are doing."

"Yeah, right! Sorry, again. I haven't been focusing. I guess, it just isn't my day."

I sat down on my hospital bed, putting my fluffy olive blanket next to me. 

"It's fine. Would you mind if I sat down next to you?"

"No, not at all!"

As he sat down next to me, I felt my cheeks heat up and my heart beating faster. I mean, I don't even remember him. Why do I feel this way? Was he really my boyfriend? Or is this... All a trick?

He gestured towards the blanket, "Would you mind sharing it with me?"

I thought for a minute. Nothing bad could come out of sharing a blanket.

I handed him a corner of it, while getting the other side for myself, "Sure, why not? Here, please get comfortable."

He scooted closer to me, pulling it across his waist. He seemed comfortable enough. Maybe this could be a good time to start a conversation. But... What about?

"Kazuto? Could you please tell me your favorite memories of us?" Blush rose up to my cheeks, "I have good intentions, promise! I want to remember you, Kazuto... Us. I want to remember everything, but... I can't."

The next thing I knew... tears poured out of my eyes, the drops racing one another to my chin and eventually to my neck. Kazuto held me in his arms. He smelled so good. I can't describe it, other than he smells like... Happiness. As if the sun came out of the clouds, yet it still had the slightest bit of rain. I'm in my bright yellow raincoat and boots, splashing in the puddles of the storm that was once there. The feeling you get when you get up early and you wake up with so much energy and confidence. And, you decide to make yourself a cup of coffee or some tea perhaps. So, while you are waiting you dance your heart out in your socks, practically sliding around on the tile flooring. Or the times when--

"Hey, Asuna... I know you don't remember me. And, this might be weird to say. But... I am going to come right out and say that... I will always love you, Asuna. No matter the struggle, the heartache we have to endure... I would happily take my life if it meant you would be happy. You are worth any sacrifice I could make. So, please don't cry. You are the strongest person I know, and when you are upset like this... It becomes hard to imagine what could make you like this. So, help me understand. Please. I will always be a call away. Whether it is in the sunshine, the rain... at night or during the day... And, don't you forget it. Alright?"

"Ok. I trust you."