Last time, Dad finally spoke his truth. He finally made our grandparents why he did the things he did. All he wanted to be free of the control our grandparents had over him.
Later that day, my dad went on to the porch. He was in deep thought.
Hey dad, you look like they stressed you out for such a long time. I replied. Did your mother tell you about this? Shiki asked. Yes, and no. I could tell by the way the atmosphere in this house. I asked. What do you mean? Shiki asked. Dad, I can tell you were the kid who worked and worked at his studies. He couldn't please his parents. I replied. You could tell? Shiki asked. Dad, it's written all over your face. I replied. You are your mother's daughter. Shiki replied.
I smiled.
My mom called dad on his phone.
I walked back inside.
Why did you come back in? Neve asked. We want to get the tea. Izu replied. My mom and dad are on friendly terms. I replied. That is surprising. Neve replied. He loves Natsu with all his heart. I replied. You seem a little hurt. Izu replied. No, it is like that. My mom gave him a choice. To stay in fear and become controlled by our grandfather or be his own individual. I replied. Wait, that is the real reason they broke up? Neve asked. So that is. Izu replied.
Shiki: Rachelle?
Rachelle: From your relieved voice, you got it off your chest.
Shiki: Somewhat on those lines.
Rachelle: I'm glad.
Shiki: Why did you call me instead of using Izumi's phone?
Rachelle: I don't know, Shiki?
Shiki: So you did you call to hear my voice?
Rachelle: Ha Ha. I think to reinsure you are alright. Silly.
Shiki: Rachelle.
Rachelle: Shiki, it's not like how it used to be. I am that kind of girl anymore. Now I am a strong, dignified woman who is her own boss.
Shiki: That is not what I was thinking about.
Rachelle: Is that so? You are like an open book, Shiki.
Shiki: I am not.
Rachelle: Then be a dad to Izumi. That is all I want. I didn't pay for that ticket for nothing.
Shiki: Our daughter is a piece of work.
Rachelle: Hush, Izumi is herself. She may have taken my looks and have your screwed up vision.
Shiki: My vision is not that bad.
Rachelle: As I said, she might be a piece of work, but she embodies some of your redeeming qualities, believe it or not.
Shiki: Rachelle?
Rachelle: I have to go to work in the morning.
Shiki: You are right, I am so sorry.
Rachelle: I am going to bed. Tell Izumi to stay sharp.
Shiki: I am not promoting violence to our daughter.
Rachelle: Oh well, I tried.
As my dad ended the call, he turned around. How long have eavesdropped on me? Shiki asked. Whatever do you mean, Shiki? Izu asked. If you're thinking I still in love with Rachelle, you are mistaken. Shiki replied.
Natsu becomes concerned.
Where did you run off to? Natsu asked. You don't have to worry about me, Natsu. Shiki replied. She sighed and kissed his forehead. I could tell in my dad's voice he was a sort of lying. He misses my mom to an extent. I heard "their" talk. When I heard her say "Shiki... I am that kind of girl anymore." Hey dad, I didn't know they filled your family with this much drama. I replied. It is not always like this. Shiki replied. That was some tea. I replied. Oh, you are definitely Rachelle's daughter. Neve replied. It's like looking at a little Rachelle. The only thing missing is the nose ring and tattoos. Izu replied.
I have all those things you spoke of, actually. I replied. Wait, I was right? Izu replied. My Izumi tattoo on my left arm which hurt. I replied. You are bold what nose pierce? Neve asked. I have a septum piercing. I replied.
As I tilted my head back, my grandparents had such disgust on their face.
I applaud Uncle Izu and Aunt Neve how many things I do that are reminiscent of my mother? Your hair, did you dye it? Neve asked. Partial vanilla blonde and left my black undertone. I replied. What horrible trait did you inherit from our little brother? Izu asked. My mom said his obscured vision and my eye color to match. I replied. Poor thing. You're the only one of his kids like this. Rii and Takumi took their good genetics from Natsu. Neve replied. I feel attacked. Shiki replied. I mean, I got my fresh manicure before I left. I replied. Don't tell me, are those glow in the dark nail polish? Neve asked. Yes. I sighed. You poor girl, it will be alright. You make up for it with beautiful looks and charming personality. Neve replied.
I smiled and laughed.
I see what my mom meant. Aunt Neve is caring, with a side of sarcasm. Uncle Izu is the guy who would look out for you. He will help if it's in his power. Almost forgot Aunt Seina. She hung out with my mom prior. She just put my dad on. I replied. That name brought silence to the room.
Rii walked over.
Aunt Seina is well. She has a reputation for speaking her mind. Rii replied. Now it makes sense. My mom said she had a friend named Seina. She has a twin brother who she feared will end up following "their" orders. So she put him on to a girl who is very similar to him. I replied.
A woman walked in the door.
Telling from mom and dad's silence, our little lamb finally rebelled. Seina replied. Wait, you are Hibiki and Sumire's mom? I asked.
She smiles.
Stay Tuned.