Chapter 8
After a moment's hesitation Lapizo decided to answer Mimi's question directly. "I remember that you saved me from the fire," he said quickly. "At first I was just grateful. Then, later, I was more than grateful. After I woke up from the coma you brought me to, my memory suddenly came rushing back to me. All of those things that I'd forgotten came back and overwhelmed me.
"When I was recovering in the hospital, I couldn't stop thinking about you. Even though I had forgotten you completely, you were stuck in my mind. Every waking second I spent with you was like a dream I couldn't wake up from. When I was released from the hospital, I wanted to go home immediately, but my mother made me wait until I was healthy enough to travel. Eventually, when I got strong enough, I decided to come to my own world again.
"There's so much that I still don't remember," Lapizo continued, "and I wonder whether or not I should tell you anything. I don't want you to think that I'm making fun of you, or laughing at you or calling you crazy! But sometimes I wish… I wish… Oh, this is so complicated…" Lapizo muttered to himself, frustrated with himself.
It was silent for several minutes as the two sat facing each other in front of the couch. Neither of them dared to say something and instead just kept looking at the other silently.
"I'm glad you didn't forget," Mimi eventually said softly, breaking the silence. "Although..."
"However?" Lapizo questioned cautiously. He could feel her stare drilling holes into the side of his face.
She shook her head. "Nevermind."
Lapizo narrowed his eyes slightly. Was it possible that she wasn't going to tell him something important?
He waited for her to continue speaking.
She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "Actually," she continued once again, "that wasn't my reason."
"Then, what's your reason?"
"You probably noticed that my father is kind of… different than he used to be? And you're pretty observant when it comes to figuring stuff out... so I guess you might be able to figure out what's happening with my dad and me.
"Ever since I met you, I've had this feeling that my father has changed somehow. And when he told me that he'd gotten divorced last year, I sort of remembered seeing something similar happen before.
"And when we talked earlier… I heard that he called my mother to help him get divorced..." She trailed off. She was quiet and remained still for a while. "So that explains some things, I guess," she added softly.
Lapizo let out a breath, surprised by all this information. He hadn't expected Mimi's father to divorce his wife because of something like that, but apparently, it had been the case. He would certainly have guessed that such an outcome would be impossible.
"I'll admit that I'm not too familiar with divorce laws, especially among aliens like your species. But even I know that there shouldn't be any issues if you and your husband decide to leave your families' house and get married. In fact, there's almost no legal limit on such cases. However, there are a couple of rules: you cannot marry someone under an alien law. That doesn't seem to bother your parents and their friends. If they were human, they could have married right then and there. It's rare for aliens to marry, but it does happen occasionally. Of course, humans won't accept that idea. Most people prefer for them not to get married."
"I've never understood humans," Mimi said simply, "but I'm willing to give it a try with you!"
Lapizo smiled brightly and held his hands together, staring at them with a small grin. Mimi was beginning to grow more and more attached to him. She wondered if that's how everyone feels towards Steven and Connie... No way... I can't possibly be that close to Lapis! I barely know her! Why is she so adorable?! Lapis laughed internally as Mimi started giggling along with him. "So then, does that mean that you will allow me to stay with you forever? Or… perhaps we could become friends and hang out regularly…" He paused. "Or maybe even more!"
"Of course," Mimi nodded, chuckling lightly. She looked down at her feet briefly. "Though…" She turned her head slowly to look at Lapizo. She hesitated slightly. "I hope your father knows better than to break us apart… We care about each other and I don't want to see you unhappy. I'll find a way to make him understand. He needs to stop blaming you for my parents' divorce, and stop punishing you…"
Lapizo stared at her intensely. He tried to say something, but no words seemed to be coming out. Instead, he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "I'm sorry I ruined everything," he mumbled, burying his face in her hair.
Mimi blushed. "No… you didn't ruin anything," she whispered in return, returning the hug. A few seconds passed and neither of them spoke.
Eventually, Lapizo broke the silence. "Do you know where we are?" he asked curiously. His voice sounded different in this universe... It was lower and more melodic, with less accent and more confidence.
"This place is the one where I work in the music store," Mimi replied. "It's not too far from here, actually, only a ten minute walk away. But, if we leave here right now, you should reach your home soon after we get there."
Lapizo nodded, smiling slightly. "That sounds good," he mumbled.
"Yeah," Mimi nodded as well.
They stayed like that for a few more minutes, just enjoying each other's presence. The silence between them was starting to get awkward and uncomfortable. But Lapizo still didn't move his hand off of her.
'I should really get going,' Lapizo realized. 'Otherwise mom is gonna worry about me.' He pulled away slowly, turning his whole body towards Mimi. "Well, thank you very much for the coffee," he grinned. "It was great. Also, I should warn you that your coffee isn't nearly as good in this universe."
Mimi laughed and rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, you know how your family is," she chuckled, putting one of his hands on her shoulder. "Maybe when our worlds collide one day…"
"We'll meet again?" Lapizo smirked.
"Yes! You and me!" Mimi grinned, taking his other hand on hers.
The two smiled at each other and leaned closer to each other. Their lips brushed against each other gently at first. Lapizo closed his eyes and placed his free hand onto her cheek to deepen the kiss.