22 Relaxing (1/2)

Alex walked over to the door and opened it.

”Yuki, can you come here please.”

Shuffling sounds could be heard as Yuki walked towards my room. After a minute, she poked her head through the door, clearly nervous about our talk.

”I told Sarah a little about our conversation, but its time you two talk to each other about moving forward from here. Remember, don't make any decisions because you think you have to. Make them because you want to.”

Alex turns and leaves the room, closing the door behind her. There is an awkward silence between us as Yuki is looking around the room. I then see her eyes dart to the vodka bottle I still haven't put away.

”Mom! You were drinking again? I thought you had stopped?”

”I'm sorry, Yuki. I have mostly stopped. I usually just have a few drinks when I need it.”

Yuki walks over to me and kneels in front of me before grabbing my hands. I never noticed how soft and kind her hands feel before. Is this a result of our escapades in the game?

”I told you before, mom, if you are having a bad day, you only need to talk to me. It makes me feel like you can't trust me.”

”I'm sorry …it's not that I don't trust you, I hate showing you how weak I really am.”

Yuki sits next to me on the bed.

”Mom, we all have a weak side. That's why we show that weakside to those we trust so they can support us when it shows.”

I only nod my head, not knowing if she saw it. We sit there in silence for a bit longer before I gather the courage to speak.

”So uh…Alex told me about...your feelings towards me since before the game.”

That sounded better in my head than when I actually asked it. I could see Yuki's face turn red as she nervously fidgeted around.

”Uh, yeah. I guess she would have.”

She takes in a deep breath as if to calm her nerves.

”It started a bit after your divorce.”

She then explained everything that happened and why she started to fall in love with me.

”That's why every time I see you try and drink your problems away, I feel my heart breaking a little. It makes me just want to do everything I can to protect and comfort you.

I would really like to share these feelings with you if you would accept them. I want to be able to call your name and give you the love you deserve.

However, if you want things to go back to the way they were before, that will be fine. I just want to see you happy, like how you used to be, always full of energy and fun to be around.”

I stare at Yuki, and I can feel the tears gather in my eyes. I reach over and pull her towards me into a hug.

”I'm so sorry. I have caused you and Alex so much worry without realizing it.”

I let out a deep sigh and continue.

”I don't know if things can go back to how they were. I...I need time to process these thoughts and feelings inside me. Once I figure myself out, I can give you an answer. Will you be patient until then?”

I can see a look of disappointment flash across Yuki's face before she quickly replaces it with a smile.

”Of course, mom. I will wait as long as you need. I just don't want you to hate me.”

I kiss the top of her head and hold her tight against me.

”Silly girl, I would never hate you. I should feel more ashamed of myself for thinking you would hate me instead.”

”Um mom? What do we tell Emiko? She will definitely know something is up once we log back into the game.”

Crap. She's right. I haven't thought that far ahead. I don't know if I could lie my way out of that one either.

”I don't know. Do we just tell her the truth, or do we make an excuse?”

Yuki sits next to me in silence. I can see she has her usual thinking face on.

”Why don't we just tell her. If she truly is a friend and cares for you, she will understand. If she doesn't and wants to leave you, she would never be any good for you.”

I place my hand over her shoulder and bring her in for another hug while rubbing her back.

”Come on. Let's go to the living room so that way Alex, at least knows we're ok.”

”Ok, but first…”