Vena Cava (Medicinal Love Book Two) IN HIATUS

Chapter 1

Natsu

(Summer)

June 1, 2012 / 5:15 pm

The smell in the air instantly brought a mouth to water. North Carolina's temperature that day was starting to cool down enough to be comfortable outside on the deck of the house and along with the booming oldies music, barbecue ribs and other smells of soul food cooking wafted through the air. This night was for Aija Edwards and Mizuno Hikaru's engagement party, hosted by Aija's aunt, Roxanne at her lakefront retreat home.

Being a white party, white suits and white dresses abounded. Near the patio stairs, Hikaru held on to Aija's hand as he took in everything around him. Men sat at a table playing cards while ladies sat chatting on outdoor couches drinking wine coolers or champagne. Others to the right of them were dancing together to the music and behind, food was being consumed.

Aija smiled and accepted congratulations as great aunts and cousins passed by, completely at ease as she took in her family. Adopted, she may be but she felt nothing but love for the family that took her in and loved her as if she were biological. Her father laughed with a family friend and more love swelled deep in her heart as she felt so very grateful for him bringing her life without a second thought. Glancing up at Hikaru, Aija's smile lessened. He looked as if he was a bit uncomfortable and she didn't blame him. They were going to Japan after the party and Aija had to admit, she wasn't too ready to meet his family. She didn't know a lick of Japanese and that in itself was going to be torture. Hikaru had to be overwhelmed by just the vast majority of family members that he had no idea about, the food that he had never tasted in his life, and the dance moves that everybody seemed to know and understand. She understood him all too well.

Grabbing his hand to get his attention, Aija smiled to reassure him as he glanced down at her. A white dress shirt casually covered his torso worn outside of his white slacks, but dark brown loafers covered his feet. He hands down was the best-looking man there in her opinion, but she was biased.

"You look great, Dr. Mizuno. I don't know if I told you that yet." Aija told him as a slight breeze flew into her face.

Hikaru gave a hint of a smirk and he bowed his head in respect. "Thank you, Koishii. I'm only trying to catch up to your beauty."

Feeling her face flush from his compliment, Aija looked down at her flowing knee-length dress and her sandal like heels. Despite the simplicity of her outfit, her engagement ring overshadowed any attempt of simplicity as it reflected the sun's setting rays of light. Her eyes looked past Hikaru to the right and she brightened seeing her favorite aunt walking in with her own fiancé, Preston wearing a long white maxi dress. She waved her over. "Auntie Eve! Over here."

Evelyn's face broke into a dazzling smile and she walked over with Preston by her side. She couldn't take her eyes off of Hikaru and Aija nearly laughed at how excited her aunt looked. Hikaru kept his eyes on her aunt as well, a warm smile on his face. He had heard so much about Aija's auntie. So much so that she already felt like family. He could tell Evelyn felt the same as she instantly hugged him.

"Hikaru, this is my aunt, Evelyn. Auntie Eve, this is-"

"Hikaru! I'm so glad to finally meet you. You are all this girl talks about now. I'm not sure if I appreciate that."

Hikaru laughed slightly as he looked down at a bashful Aija who shrugged with a smile. "I'm glad to get the chance to meet you as well. Aija talks just as much about you, be assured."

"Aww..."

Evelyn reached over to kiss her niece's cheek and Aija gave Preston a hug as well while he shook Hikaru's hand.