Last time, I saw my dad spoke his truth to our grandparents. When the drama faded, a woman came into the house.
What are you doing here, Seina? Neve asked. I came to see about our bigot parents before they cause trouble. Seina replied. That's cold even for you, Seina. Shiki replied. I see my brother put his foot down. Seina replied.
She looked at me and smiled.
It has been awhile Izumi. How are you? Seina asked. I'm good. Should call you Aunt Seina now? I asked. Aunt is a title. If you desire to go ahead. Seina replied. You know you are so laid back it's bad. Shiki replied. I may, but I don't approve of quote in quote tiger parenting. Seina replied.
She sits on the couch.
Look at what nonsense mom and dad instilled in Rii. I am the family rebel. I chose to never get married. Having twins out of wedlock with a deadbeat who left me and married another woman. Seina replied. You remind me very much of my mom. I replied. Somewhat, Rachelle is a natural, beautiful soul. She lives life and thinks of the positives. Seina replied. Aren't you a psychiatrist too? I asked. Yes, our offices are near each other, actually. Seina replied. You work close to Rachelle? Why didn't you tell me? Shiki asked. You don't call me on the regular. Why do I have to tell you? Seina asked. You don't have to be so rude. Shiki replied. Then come to Cali more often. That's all I am saying. Seina replied. Do you have gifts from California? Izu asked. Oh yeah, I bought back some Ghirardelli Chocolate from Hollywood Boulevard. Seina replied. Ghirardelli me please. Neve replied. Oh, did you bring some Benihana back? I asked. I snuck some with me. Your mom was telling me about your fascination with Benihana. Seina replied. It is so good. I replied. No, when your parents were dating. Your father was working at Benihana. She was pregnant, to add. Seina replied. Wait what? Shiki asked. Yes, she wanted to tell you at the right time, but mom and dad intervened. Seina replied. Telling how things are going in your life. It is what it is. Seina replied. Why do you desire to stay single, Seina? Tsuyu asked. I don't need a man or wearing a wedding dress to make me complete. Seina replied. Seina, marriage isn't a bad thing. Shiki replied.
Seina walked outside and walked through the neighborhood.
Hey dad, if I remember what my mom said. Aunt Seina was in love with Hibiki and Sumire's father. They dated throughout college. He proposed to her, and she was happy. A few months in which she caught him cheating. After that, she shut off her heart. Hibiki and Sumire are she has as remembrance of that relationship. I replied. I never knew that happened to her. Shiki replied.
Someone called her.
Arlo: Hey why did you just up and leave the twins with me?
Seina: I wanted to see my parents for a few days.
Arlo: Why would you leave them by themselves?
Seina: They are eighteen-years-old, Alro. Hell, they are going to college in a few months.
Arlo: Still you left them by themselves.
Seina: Maybe your sons don't know how to take care of themselves, but Hibiki and Sumire can fend for themselves.
Arlo: What does that supposed to mean?
Seina: I taught my kid's life skills at a young age because I worked and I didn't have a babysitter. You would think you, being their father you would help, but you didn't.
Arlo: Why do you keep bringing this up?
Seina: Arlo, I had to threaten you to be a father to Hibiki and Sumire. In my thirty-eight years of living on this Earth. I've never been so tired of anyone other than my parents.
Arlo: So you are tired of me?
Seina: You are something else, Arlo. Even my patients are more rational than you have ever been. I deal with irrational patients that almost stir me up.
Arlo: You became a psychiatrist.
Seina: I did. I love my job and the interesting patients I encounter every visit.
Arlo: So what are you trying to say?
Seina: I love my job. That job helped me buy things for the kids. I begged you to help me with.
Arlo: I see you are still bitter.
Seina: Geez, I wonder who did that? (sarcastically)
Arlo: You need help yourself.
Seina: No, I came to a self-realization. I'm not bitter. You are a creature of habit. It's you, not me.
Arlo: Whatever.
Seina hangs out.
Can I ask you a question, Seina? Shiki asked. Yes Shiki? Seina asked. Did something happen between you and Arlo? Shiki asked. You could say that. I learned my lesson. Seina replied. I'm sorry for you, Seina. Shiki replied. What Shiki? Seina asked.
My dad hugged her.
Seina cried.
Seina, you were in love with Arlo. Did he cheat on you or something? Shiki asked. Yeah, he did. Seina replied. Did your kids grow up fatherless? Shiki asked. No, I pressed him on the issue. I told him. "You want my mouth or babysit them. Either way, I can and will make your life harder." Now that's my sister I know and love. Why don't you come to visit me in Mid City during Fall Break or Christmas? Seina asked. Seina. Shiki replied. I don't live far from Izumi and her mother. You can bring your family and you can meet my kids in person.
Seina's phone goes off.
She is face timed by her kids.
Hibiki: Hey mom, dad was freaking out about us being home alone.
Sumire: Yeah, we can take care of ourselves. They constantly babied our brother, Aiden, all the time. Glad we are independent.
Seina: I just got off the phone with irresponsible father matter fact. Oh, this my younger twin brother, Shiki. You remember Izumi LaFramboise in your graduating class?
Sumire: What about Izzy?
Seina: This her father. She's in Japan too.
I walked past and saw them.
Me: Hibiki! Sumire! How are you guys!
Hibiki: Stuck in MidCity after getting out of work. While our mom is traveling.
Sumire: Yeah.
Seina: I don't want to hear your amends.
Sumire: Mom, dad asked invited us over for dinner.
Seina: You know his wife can't cook to save her life.
Shiki: Stop being rude, Seina.
Seina: What, I can cook for your information.
Hibiki: Oh, dad's calling us. Talk to you later, mom.
Seina: Talk to you later, you two.
Hibiki and Sumire: Bye!
Seina smiles.
I think this is what Aunt Seina needed. Family around her to let go of her stress.
Stay Tuned.