STAY

Chapter 1

"I... I waited for you everyday. I'm here everyday 4 o'clock right before sundown, hoping for this day and here you are! Here you are!" She pushed my shoulders to take a better look at me, as if checking to see if this is fantasy or reality. I remained motionless. She still kept that SMILE, she carefully got something from her pocket, it was our ring. She took my hand and was about to put it back but then she noticed- a ring was already there. I couldn't say anything. What do I say? What do I say? What do I say?! She took a step back from me, shaking her head. It was again, that same pain-filled expression on her face, the one from six years ago. She stood there, waiting for an explanation. Not a single tear- but sorrow seeped through those green eyes. This pain she has, was too deep for tears. Again, what do I say?

"I'm getting married in four days."

She SMILED that smile again. She turned around. Her back facing me. That was when my breath left me, and this pain I feel... felt more than a thousand heartaches.

"Congratulations." Was the last thing she said before she walked away. I simply watched her disappear from my sight. Is this how she felt when I left her? Again, I feel tears and now I know why they're falling.

I went back to my hotel room aimlessly. Everything about me- I loathe. I went to the comfort room. I knew my what my purpose was. I would look at the face Haruka loves the most and try to understand why she loves a monster. A neglectful, pompous monster. I switched on the light. I look at my odd hair, I love your hair, she would say to me almost everyday. Specially when I told her I wanted to dye it brown. I look at my eyes, same blue pools that she LOVES. My nose and how she would playfully pinch it. My lips, and how she would lovingly kiss it. I close my eyes. I hated Haruka for Hotaru's death...

Flashback

The phone rang. It was barely half past nine. I took it with the usual chirp in my voice.

"Hello?"

"Is this Michiru Kaioh? This is Officer Kizuma. Tenoh-san and your daughter have been involved in an accident." I dropped the phone.

Before I knew I was scrambling my way to the hospital. To my destination- to where they were. I waited and waited in hopes that both of them are alright. But I didn't know the weight of the situation. I didn't know it was critical. The white coats arrived. I stopped from breathing.

"Miss Tenoh is alright, but her right knee has been smashed, there is only so much surgery can do..." I smiled. Thank God, she's alive!

"But... you're daughter's concussion lead to internal hemorrage... I'm afraid..." No. Don't say it. "There's nothing we can do." I cried and cried.

I watched them put my daughter away, I followed them to the morgue. I watched her tiny lifeless body in the cold steel case. She must be cold, she needs a blanket. She needs... I need her. I want her back! But there's nothing I can do.

End of Flashback

And now, I hate myself. I winced as I felt arms wrap around my waist. Its my soon to be husband, he's kissing my neck. I didn't move, maybe because I couldn't fake it anymore, not after I saw Haruka. Not after realising everything. But still a weakling, I allowed him to do as he pleases. Then he stops.

"Michiru? What's the matter?" I didn't even notice I was crying.

"Nothing. Its nothing. Tears of joy." I lied ofcourse. He smiled, a smile built out of ignorance.

"I love you Michiru."

"I love you too Francois" Another lie.

After a night of empty love-making. I find myself staring the ceiling. Everything didn't feel right. Francois arms are too bulky, his shouder blades are too pointed, his chest is too hard, his collar bone portrudes too much. I didn't feel comfortable in his embrace... I didn't fit. I got up, not surprised to see him not awake. The house could be on fire and still he wouldn't rouse. I wanted to walk outside. I grabbed my coat and headed for the door.