CITRUS ~ A Long Way From Home / Trust

Chapter 16

Day 1

<<Speaking English>>

Mei rode the elevator to the floor of her suite, grateful that there wasn't a lot of hotel staff or people in the lobby that would see her. She would look at her reflection in the elevator mirrors, thinking that she looked like a mess. The events of the whole evening and the email she received just took its emotional toll on her.

As the elevator doors opened on her floor, she found herself moving slowly down the hallway, holding on to her shoes to walk easier. She passed some people in the hallway, trying not to be noticed, hoping that no one would ask her anything, like if she was alright or anything else. But deep down, she felt dirty. Like she wanted to take a long bath and never getting out of the bathtub.

But at the moment, all she wanted now was for Yuzu to hold her. She wanted to hear her voice, but the thought of it made her feel like she was about to burst into tears. Like she couldn't hold back any longer.

As she stood outside the door of the suite, she rested her head against the frame, pondering how she'll tell Yuzu what happened. What will she say to her? How will Yuzu react? Will Yuzu be mad at her?

All kinds of thoughts went through her mind as her hands were shaking when opening the door.

The lights were still on inside the suite. As Mei shut the door, she looked around the living room, seeing Yuzu's laptop, iPad, recorder and other papers on the table and floor. And there wasn't anyone in the kitchen.

"Yuzu?" she called nervously as she set her phone and handbag down, but there was no response.

'Maybe she's taking a bath' she thought as she placed he shoes down and headed towards the bedroom, wrapping her arms around herself as she still looked for Yuzu.

There was one light in the bedroom, but Yuzu wasn't there, nor was she in the restroom. An anxious feeling began to move through Mei as she scampered back in the living room, out towards the patio. Then back inside as she looked around again.

Mei started to panic in her search for Yuzu. 'Where could she be?' she thought. 'She's suppose to be here. Did she leave? Why would she leave?'

She began to reach for her phone to call Yuzu when she heard someone at the door.

A chill moved through Mei, finding herself suddenly afraid of the noise. In her panic, her thoughts were that Mills was coming inside. Did he follow her? Is he coming inside? An overwhelming sense of fear clouded her mind with confusion, unlike anything she ever felt before.

Then she heard a familiar laugh, muffled from the other side of the door. A sense of excitement and relief overcame her. She began to move towards the door when she heard another familiar voice, from someone she didn't except to hear.

And for no reason, Mei suddenly grew irritable.

- - - - - - - - - -

"So your apartment is on a higher floor then this place?" asked April.

"Yeah, its three floors higher. Except the balcony is smaller and doesn't come with a hot tube like it does here" said Yuzu as she giggled while stepping inside, holding what looked like some files.

"That's pretty cool. I'll bet you can see all of Tokyo from up there" said April as she followed Yuzu inside, also carrying some files.

"Yeah, it's kinda neat, but you get use to it. Except when our friends Sara and Nina would visit. Nina would get all..."

Yuzu stopped to see Mei walking towards them quickly.

"Hey Mei" said Yuzu with a smile. "When did you get back? How was the meet-"