Mei was sitting at her desk in her room. Since her break-up with Yuzu, she had been staying with her grandfather for the past nine days. Just like her sister, Mei had been subject to much sorrow herself, as she desperately yearned for the lover she had been forced to part with. Her thoughts were centered around her blonde-haired, rosy-cheeked stepsister with whom she shared so many lovely moments. Why did I have to suffer this? Mei soliloquized in her grief. The one being on earth I loved has been taken from me - here she broke down entirely as tears streamed down her face, which had grown care-worn and lifeless in her agonizing pain. Mei attempted to put it out of her head, but she couldn't possibly forget Yuzu's second confession to her on the summer trip. Her stepsister's voice rang in her head as she remembered their kiss. I'm not stopping until I figure out your feelings completely. Mei, you have never told me that you love me, not even once, Yuzu spoke in Mei's mind. I was really happy during the festival, when you came to me and showed me your desire. I love you, Mei. I really do! What about you, Mei? That flashback went through Mei's heart like a knife as she recalled her faltering response in her vain attempt to return her sister's deep-seated feelings of love. She held her head in her hands as that moment recalled itself to her memory, accompanied by another torrent of tears. I love you, Yuzu, she spoke to herself. As bad of a sister I've been, you never forsook me when I need you most. But I need you more than ever now. I need you more than my desire to please Grandfather. I need you more than I need the academy. But it's not just because I want to be happy, but because I want you to be happy, she gushed. Without you, I have no life. Her confession was interrupted by her grandfather calling. "Mei, come down." She brushed away her tears and quickly regained her composure, though her confession still weighed heavily upon her mind. "What is it, Grandfather?" "Your fiancé is coming to meet you once again tonight," he said. "It's another formal gathering, so I'm sure you shouldn't have trouble socializing with him." "Yes, Grandfather," Mei replied. "I'll get ready." She returned to her room and sported a bright blue floral dress, as was befitting of a young lady. When Mei came down, her grandfather was waiting, dressed in his elegant suit and silk tie. "I also have some dealings at the gathering tonight, so mind yourself," he said. They both boarded the Aihara limousine and were being driven to the venue, when Grandfather spoke. "Mei, you have done well as my heir," he said. "You've attended your duties with all diligence and have given your all for the sake of the Academy that we as a family have founded together." "Thank you, Grandfather," Mei meekly replied. "But it strikes me, Mei," he continued, "that somehow your heart isn't all in to taking the next step as the future chairwoman. So for this reason, I've asked your father if he could be there tonight to support you. He replied in the affirmative and will be present at the gathering, also." Mei didn't answer. She was staring out the window of the limousine, wishing Yuzu was by her side, hand in hand with her. It was all she could do to blink back the tears. They reached the venue and were being assisted out of the limousine. Grandfather had already gotten out, but Mei remained. She was holding a thin gold necklace, contemplating in her mind whether or not she should take this risk. I will NOT let go of her! Mei said in her mind. Though I am doomed, yet my heart will remain with Yuzu. She then nodded, took out the all-precious ring that she had caressed for many a night, placed it within the loop of the necklace, and put it once again around her neck. Mei then put on her fur coat as she came out so that Grandfather would not see the ring. For Mei, there was no turning back.

TO BE CONTINUED



