[Complete] Invisible Chains- Chapter 30
Wow, this has been a long journey hasn't it? We are almost coming to the end of Invisible Chains. Ladies and gentlemen set your timers and begin the countdown! (*・∀＜*) What else is in store for Asuka?
**Announcement!!-- I've decided that I will take a short break/hiatus from posting on my LJ. I need some extra time to work on janipanda's request, which will be the sequel of Koe wo Kikasete. I have a few ideas that I definitely want to add in the story but I'm having a bit of difficulty getting there. I hope you can understand!
Without further ado, please enjoy this chapter!
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Chapter 30
I tightly held onto Mariko’s hands as we both sat on her bed. She had her head lowered while I couldn’t help but to smile. My wish has finally come true. I was meeting and seeing Mariko face-to-face. I no longer have to wait for her, I don’t have to worry if she knows my existence and also, she recognizes me as her sister. “I overheard a conversation with my otosan and Masaki-oniichan about the orphanage.” My eyes widened. I started to wonder if they knew that she overheard them.
“I knew that I was adopted into the Aiba family but they always made me feel like I shared the same blood with them. They’re always caring and kind. It made me happy to be treated as their daughter. They didn’t make me feel like I was an outsider, even though technically I was.”
I lowered my gaze. I was upset that she had to have these feelings when she could have avoided them in the first place if our mother didn’t drop her at the orphanage. “I visited the orphanage when I was in my teens. You know during my rebellion period of my life.” She let out a chuckle and then continued. “When I heard that Ibaraki-san told Masaki-oniichan that you were looking for me, I was a bit scared and afraid.” I furrowed my eyebrows and held onto her hand tighter. Then she lifted up her head. Even though I couldn’t see her face, I could feel she was staring into my eyes. “I thought you’re going to take me away and go back to live with your family but…” She trailed off, almost as she was lost in her thoughts. “…You abandoned me for a reason so why should I go back to live you guys when I already have a family?”
I nodded my head in agreement. I wouldn’t want her, let alone, anyone to come to live with my father and I. My father is a scary person that should live in his own little world. “I will never let take you away from what you love.” I said with hard eyes. Even if I had the choice, I would rather let her let in a hotel if she wanted to. I would never let Mariko come into my father’s grasp ever again. He already abandoned so there’s no point of him letting him know of her existence. “I just wanted to find you-to make sure you’re all right and taken care of. I mainly just want to act as your oneesan, if you’ll let me. Whatever you want, I will give it to you. It’s my gift for you since I wasn’t able to act like one.”
She nodded her head. I smiled again and gave her a warm hug. After we hugged, I noticed someone standing and looking at us from the doorway. I turned my head to see a smiling Aiba-san with his arms crossed and leaning onto the side. Then I turned back my head to look at Mariko to say one last thing. “I know it may be awkward first. Believe me, I’m slowly starting to get used to the feeling of seeing you as my imouto. But I want to take things slow. We need a lot of time to catching up and getting used to calling each other by our familiarity. I’ll leave you my phone number so you can contact me at any time.” She nodded her head again.
I stood up and walked towards Aiba-san to see he was looking at me. “Ready to go?” I furrowed my eyebrows. What? Why is he asking me if I’m ready to go? “Hm? You want me to leave already?” I asked jokingly. Aiba-san quickly reacted by waving his hands side-to-side, denying my interpretation. “Iie. I was thinking of catching a ride with you. I need to go to Tokyo too.” I slowly nodded my head, and then walked passed him and down the stairs.
~*~
After saying my goodbyes to Aiba-san’s father and Mariko, I boarded my car as Aiba-san climbed into the passenger’s seat. Even though I tried to change his mind about catching a ride with me, I knew from past experience that his mind wouldn’t budge no matter how many times I try to persuade him. I gave up on the thought and closed my mouth shut.
The car ride with Aiba-san was rather awkward. It didn’t feel like we were strangers but a new understanding between us had developed and we couldn’t go onto the next step. We made small talk but it had quickly died down and we were left sitting quietly without knowing what else to say to each other. However, I knew that Aiba-san had changed a bit. Before he looked like he was always hiding behind his smile but now he looks like he can act like himself.
I dropped Aiba-san in front of his home and quickly drove back to my house to change into new and clean clothes before I head to work. I drove into the driveway to notice the maids and butlers were outside, as if they were waiting for me to return home. One of the butlers scrambled to my car and opened the door for me. I furrowed my eyes when all of them avoided eye contact with me.
“Ohayo Asuka-san. Your otosan is waiting for you in the living room, he insists he speak with you alone.” The butler said and started to escort me to the front door. Goose bumps crawled over my skin and my hands started to tremble in fear. I was scared of what was going to come next. It had been my first time staying overnight. He knew that I would always come home after work or a drink. I would never ever have a one-night stand, let alone sleep at a friend’s house because he knew I didn’t have any friends.
The butler quietly opened the door and I was quick to notice the destruction inside the house. Paintings were destroyed, vases were shattered, chairs were thrown around and also books and magazines were scattered all over the floor. I bit my lower lip. I knew my father was cold-blooded but I hadn’t expected he would throw a huge fit over me. He treated me like I was some kind of object that he could play around or control.
As I cautiously made my way to the living room, I instantly had a chilling feeling down my back. At that moment, I wanted to run away but I knew that my father would throw another fit if I didn’t see him. I became worried of the safety and health of the maids and butlers whom looked scared when I saw them standing in the driveway. I swallowed and gathered up all of my courage to face my father.
I slowly made my way up the stairs and came into view of my father, whom was sitting on the sofa while reading a newspaper in his hand. The cup of coffee that was beside him, was still piping hot as I could see the swirls of steam rising from the cup. He took a sip of the coffee and laid the newspaper on the coffee table in front of him.
“Where were you last night?” He asked. I flinched at his question. For the first time in my life I had feared for my life and wondered what he was going to do to me. I stuttered at first and then managed to stay calm and composed. “I… I was at a friend’s house. We were drinking beer and I fell asleep. Gomen.” I began to pray that he was going to believe my story. “Friend? Is the friend you’re talking about named Aiba Masaki?”
I gulped. My heart began to beat faster. If he knew then why ask me a question he already knows the answer? I looked onto the side and kept quiet. Now how am I going to get out of this? “Did you sleep with him?” I quickly shot my head at him and yelled. “Of course not! I just went there to see…” I began to trail off. I almost spilled the truth. I can’t tell him that I met Mariko. I need to make sure her existence isn’t known. I don’t want her to disappear from my life again.
“Went to see?” He asked with one of his eyebrows raised at me. I swallowed hard; it felt like my throat had turned dry. “Aiba-san invited me over to his house since he came to ours.” I lied. It was a straight out and terrible lie. I just want to end his tirade and go upstairs to change into a new set of clothes. I lowered my head and placed my left hand over my right hand in front of me. Please believe in the lie so we can move on. “So why didn’t he ask me to come along? After all, I was the one who invited him here.” He said. I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes. Why couldn’t he be a fish and bait on the fishing line? Why does he have to be the shark?
“So are you going to tell me the truth or not?” His voice became more stern and powerful. Why is he doing this to me? My anger rose and I was getting irritated. Why does he have to know about my whereabouts? I’m already an adult and can make my decisions on my own. “SHUT UP!” I yelled out. Why couldn’t he leave me alone like he used to? Why is he acting like my father when he had so many opportunities in the past?
“You’re my father but you never acted like one so who gave you the right to be one?” I shouted. He flinched at my words. He never said anything else after that as we stood there looking at each other in silence.
**Announcement!!-- I've decided that I will take a short break/hiatus from posting on my LJ. I need some extra time to work on janipanda's request, which will be the sequel of Koe wo Kikasete. I have a few ideas that I definitely want to add in the story but I'm having a bit of difficulty getting there. I hope you can understand!
Without further ado, please enjoy this chapter!
--------------------------
Chapter 30
I tightly held onto Mariko’s hands as we both sat on her bed. She had her head lowered while I couldn’t help but to smile. My wish has finally come true. I was meeting and seeing Mariko face-to-face. I no longer have to wait for her, I don’t have to worry if she knows my existence and also, she recognizes me as her sister. “I overheard a conversation with my otosan and Masaki-oniichan about the orphanage.” My eyes widened. I started to wonder if they knew that she overheard them.
“I knew that I was adopted into the Aiba family but they always made me feel like I shared the same blood with them. They’re always caring and kind. It made me happy to be treated as their daughter. They didn’t make me feel like I was an outsider, even though technically I was.”
I lowered my gaze. I was upset that she had to have these feelings when she could have avoided them in the first place if our mother didn’t drop her at the orphanage. “I visited the orphanage when I was in my teens. You know during my rebellion period of my life.” She let out a chuckle and then continued. “When I heard that Ibaraki-san told Masaki-oniichan that you were looking for me, I was a bit scared and afraid.” I furrowed my eyebrows and held onto her hand tighter. Then she lifted up her head. Even though I couldn’t see her face, I could feel she was staring into my eyes. “I thought you’re going to take me away and go back to live with your family but…” She trailed off, almost as she was lost in her thoughts. “…You abandoned me for a reason so why should I go back to live you guys when I already have a family?”
I nodded my head in agreement. I wouldn’t want her, let alone, anyone to come to live with my father and I. My father is a scary person that should live in his own little world. “I will never let take you away from what you love.” I said with hard eyes. Even if I had the choice, I would rather let her let in a hotel if she wanted to. I would never let Mariko come into my father’s grasp ever again. He already abandoned so there’s no point of him letting him know of her existence. “I just wanted to find you-to make sure you’re all right and taken care of. I mainly just want to act as your oneesan, if you’ll let me. Whatever you want, I will give it to you. It’s my gift for you since I wasn’t able to act like one.”
She nodded her head. I smiled again and gave her a warm hug. After we hugged, I noticed someone standing and looking at us from the doorway. I turned my head to see a smiling Aiba-san with his arms crossed and leaning onto the side. Then I turned back my head to look at Mariko to say one last thing. “I know it may be awkward first. Believe me, I’m slowly starting to get used to the feeling of seeing you as my imouto. But I want to take things slow. We need a lot of time to catching up and getting used to calling each other by our familiarity. I’ll leave you my phone number so you can contact me at any time.” She nodded her head again.
I stood up and walked towards Aiba-san to see he was looking at me. “Ready to go?” I furrowed my eyebrows. What? Why is he asking me if I’m ready to go? “Hm? You want me to leave already?” I asked jokingly. Aiba-san quickly reacted by waving his hands side-to-side, denying my interpretation. “Iie. I was thinking of catching a ride with you. I need to go to Tokyo too.” I slowly nodded my head, and then walked passed him and down the stairs.
~*~
After saying my goodbyes to Aiba-san’s father and Mariko, I boarded my car as Aiba-san climbed into the passenger’s seat. Even though I tried to change his mind about catching a ride with me, I knew from past experience that his mind wouldn’t budge no matter how many times I try to persuade him. I gave up on the thought and closed my mouth shut.
The car ride with Aiba-san was rather awkward. It didn’t feel like we were strangers but a new understanding between us had developed and we couldn’t go onto the next step. We made small talk but it had quickly died down and we were left sitting quietly without knowing what else to say to each other. However, I knew that Aiba-san had changed a bit. Before he looked like he was always hiding behind his smile but now he looks like he can act like himself.
I dropped Aiba-san in front of his home and quickly drove back to my house to change into new and clean clothes before I head to work. I drove into the driveway to notice the maids and butlers were outside, as if they were waiting for me to return home. One of the butlers scrambled to my car and opened the door for me. I furrowed my eyes when all of them avoided eye contact with me.
“Ohayo Asuka-san. Your otosan is waiting for you in the living room, he insists he speak with you alone.” The butler said and started to escort me to the front door. Goose bumps crawled over my skin and my hands started to tremble in fear. I was scared of what was going to come next. It had been my first time staying overnight. He knew that I would always come home after work or a drink. I would never ever have a one-night stand, let alone sleep at a friend’s house because he knew I didn’t have any friends.
The butler quietly opened the door and I was quick to notice the destruction inside the house. Paintings were destroyed, vases were shattered, chairs were thrown around and also books and magazines were scattered all over the floor. I bit my lower lip. I knew my father was cold-blooded but I hadn’t expected he would throw a huge fit over me. He treated me like I was some kind of object that he could play around or control.
As I cautiously made my way to the living room, I instantly had a chilling feeling down my back. At that moment, I wanted to run away but I knew that my father would throw another fit if I didn’t see him. I became worried of the safety and health of the maids and butlers whom looked scared when I saw them standing in the driveway. I swallowed and gathered up all of my courage to face my father.
I slowly made my way up the stairs and came into view of my father, whom was sitting on the sofa while reading a newspaper in his hand. The cup of coffee that was beside him, was still piping hot as I could see the swirls of steam rising from the cup. He took a sip of the coffee and laid the newspaper on the coffee table in front of him.
“Where were you last night?” He asked. I flinched at his question. For the first time in my life I had feared for my life and wondered what he was going to do to me. I stuttered at first and then managed to stay calm and composed. “I… I was at a friend’s house. We were drinking beer and I fell asleep. Gomen.” I began to pray that he was going to believe my story. “Friend? Is the friend you’re talking about named Aiba Masaki?”
I gulped. My heart began to beat faster. If he knew then why ask me a question he already knows the answer? I looked onto the side and kept quiet. Now how am I going to get out of this? “Did you sleep with him?” I quickly shot my head at him and yelled. “Of course not! I just went there to see…” I began to trail off. I almost spilled the truth. I can’t tell him that I met Mariko. I need to make sure her existence isn’t known. I don’t want her to disappear from my life again.
“Went to see?” He asked with one of his eyebrows raised at me. I swallowed hard; it felt like my throat had turned dry. “Aiba-san invited me over to his house since he came to ours.” I lied. It was a straight out and terrible lie. I just want to end his tirade and go upstairs to change into a new set of clothes. I lowered my head and placed my left hand over my right hand in front of me. Please believe in the lie so we can move on. “So why didn’t he ask me to come along? After all, I was the one who invited him here.” He said. I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes. Why couldn’t he be a fish and bait on the fishing line? Why does he have to be the shark?
“So are you going to tell me the truth or not?” His voice became more stern and powerful. Why is he doing this to me? My anger rose and I was getting irritated. Why does he have to know about my whereabouts? I’m already an adult and can make my decisions on my own. “SHUT UP!” I yelled out. Why couldn’t he leave me alone like he used to? Why is he acting like my father when he had so many opportunities in the past?
“You’re my father but you never acted like one so who gave you the right to be one?” I shouted. He flinched at my words. He never said anything else after that as we stood there looking at each other in silence.