Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Buried Secrets: The Memoirs of a Sohma ❯ One Final Bow ( Chapter 18 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

BURIED SECRETS: The Memoirs of a Sohma
A Fruits Basket Fanfic

Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess


AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Chapter 97 of the manga doesn't exist here...and I guess, in retrospect, neither does most of the manga at this point. Now with that said...on with the story! Fate comes a calling. Can Sierra learn to live with a decision totally out of her hands? Sometimes what we ask for is not always what we get. Comments are encouraged and welcome. A short chapter, and the next to last. Only the Epilogue is left. A Standard Disclaimer appears at the end of the chapter.


Chapter 18 - One Final Bow




"Good luck today, Sei-chan."

"Arigato, Hatori-san. I appreciate the ride."

"Don't forget, I'll pick you up after school today."

"Thanks!"

SLAM! VROOM!

"Ah! Sei-chan! Why don't you ever introduce us?!"

"Because he's in a hurry, Chi-chan."

"And if we don't hurry, we'll be late!"

The events of the New Year quickly faded as the final leg of the school semester took over. I spent most of my time doing homework after school and any free time was spent doing more homework. Preparations for college exams had begun. I started studying with a few of the study groups, but I didn't really think about exams.

"Earth to Sei-chan?"

"Eh? AH! Gomen nasai. I...got distracted."

"She's thinking about her fiancé," Sakura teased.

"Oh, stop! I am not."

"Are too."

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

I was more concerned with just graduating.

"How do you expect to do well if you can't concentrate?"

"Gomen, gomen. I've just had a lot on my mind lately. There's so much going on."

RING! RING!

"Thank goodness. It's not my cell phone."

"Not mine."

"I don't have one."

"Sakura, I think your cell just rang!"

"Nope," I sighed. "It's my pager."

And there was a wedding to plan.

"Who is it?"

"You're finace?"

"Better...the wedding planner."

Akito hired a wedding planner to take care of the details. I was too busy with school and he just had no interest in such things. The planner called me on a weekly basis and we met a few times to go over some things. She was the nicest lady, really, and had some wonderful ideas. After speaking with her a few times, I found that I was somewhat excited about the wedding myself. There was just something about the energy she put out while working....

The wedding would be almost one week after graduation. The Student Council wanted to make graduation the day before, the last Saturday of the month, but I managed to persuade the Student council to move it up. Grades were good, attendance was up and, yes, I had to admit that my wedding was that particular weekend as well. I didn't think it was the best excuse, but they accepted it.

"Now that that's settled, let's go celebrate!"

"YEAH!"

Then they took me out for ice cream after the meeting to celebrate.

I swear, anything for food.

A 24 hour stomach flu knocked me off my feet for a whole day, but other than that, the late nights doing homework and my Student Council duties didn't stop Akito from seeing me. We still ate together, even late at night. Some days I was grateful for a distractive presence. Something other than school work, you know.

But when he'd ask about the wedding, I'd get all bummed again.

"I think Kiko has it well under control."

"You've been meeting with her?"

"Of course. There were a few things I told her she should ask you, as you're more familiar with the traditional ceremony than I."

"I spoke with her yesterday."

"And?"

"And...I answered her questions."

I smiled despite myself. "You're very glad you don't have to deal with it, aren't you?"

He returned my smile over his tea up. "Hai."



If you're curious about what happened over New Year's, or rather, if it's happened again, the answer's no. There were subtle changes to Akito's character after the new year. There were no more "sleep overs". His kisses were brief, at least when others were around. But he was still warm and caring...when we were alone.

Perhaps he thought that I had given in. HA! Perhaps he thought he didn't need to try so hard now that he had my "compliance". In truth he had nothing. I admit to being conflicted, even now, but I will never admit to him that I willingly gave in. Just once. Never.

To take a break from studying I cleaned my room from ceiling to floor. I was so proud of myself that I went to visit Kagura when I was finished. The break was more than welcome, and an afternoon out with Kagura was good medicine. Finals were looming. Only three weeks left. Then there were college entrance exams, which I was beginning to take more seriously. All the studying was overloading my circuits and some shopping and a movie were just what I needed. I even found a wedding decoration I liked and made a note to call Kiko the next day and tell her about it.

When we returned to the main house, there was this deep feeling of dread. I wasn't sure why. The afternoon had been a well deserved release. I said good-bye to Kagura and made my way back to my room.

I should've realized something was wrong when I saw one of the servants running from the building. Was Akito throwing one of his tantrums? He hadn't done that in quite a while. I hurried my pace, stopping only at the main door when Hikari came outside, looking all flustered.

"I don't think going in there is a good idea, Miss Sierra."

"Why? What's wrong?" I suddenly grew worried. "Is Akito all right?"

"It's a mess, miss," she said breathlessly. "A real mess."

A loud crash caught my attention. I hurried past the old maid and into the house. There was a loud curse and another crash.

Hikari hadn't been kidding when she said it was a mess!

And imagine my surprise when I found Akito in the middle of it all.

The middle of my room, that is.

It was a shambles, the room. My school books had been strewn everywhere, my notes scattered. The dresser drawers had been pulled out. Clothing hung from one while another lay upside down on the floor. Several boxes I had never unpacked were opened and flung on their sides. Books and clothing from my closet lay unevenly distributed about the room. My bed sheets had been ripped from the mattress and several containers I used for hair accessories and other small things had been dumped onto the floor.

"Akito-san?"

Akito stood at the foot of my bed, his hands clutching a number of things. He turned when I whispered his name and I had to steel myself against the look on his face. Anger. Hatred. So raw and abundant. He looked like a man possessed and I couldn't stop myself from taking a step back.

"What's wro--?!"

"LIAR! BITCH!"

There was no time to react. He reached for me and pulled me further into the room. I stumbled over a few things, giving a little cry of surprise as I fell against one of the bed posts. But my balance wasn't perfect and I ended up on the floor, Akito's hand still grasping my upper arm.

"What are you--AH!"

SMACK!

"Shut up! Don't speak!"

"But--?"

SMACK!

"I don't want to hear it!"

I held my cheek, in utter shock that he would be acting this way. What had he found? I was hiding nothing from him.

Then I realized what he was holding.

My postcards from Tohru. The letters from Haru. My written but unsent responses to him. A few postcards from Momiji.

And dangling from his clenched fist, the thing that stung so badly when he hit me, was the necklace Haru had given me.

"Conspiracy!" Akito howled. "It's all been a lie!"

"What are you talking about?!" I yelled back.

He raised his hand to hit me and I raised my arm in defense. This only angered him, his grasp on my arm tightening. With a strength I thought impossible for him, he hauled me to my feet and threw me against the foot board of the bed. The top dug into my lower back as he cornered me, bending me over the fixture.

"You've been talking to her! HER!" I knew he meant Tohru but didn't say anything. I just let him rant. "But she's gone! GONE! Shigure got rid of her! How DARE you speak with her! How DARE you!!"

I fought back but he only leaned over me, a sold presence that wasn't about to budge. And my back! Gods but it hurt. "She...was my friend."

"SHE doesn't matter," he yelled back, shaking his fist in my face. "And this...this THING! It was gone!" The necklace pendant hit my nose and I flinched. "GONE!"

"Wasn't it enough...that I...wore YOUR present all the time?"

"Do you think of him?" He snarled in my face. "Did you think of him at New Year's? Do you get off on thoughts of him?"

Tears stung my eyes from the growing pain in my lower back and the sharp edge of the foot board there. "You...don't know...what your saying!"

"He left you! He ran off with that whore! Why do you think of him?!" Good question. "It's unacceptable. YOU'RE MINE!"

I opened my mouth to argue, but he pulled me upward, tossing me onto the floor like a rag doll. My arms broke my fall, but I still managed to bite my tongue. Oh well, a distraction from the pain I still felt in my back. It didn't help that his foot connected with my ribcage either.

"Stupid wench! Did you think you could escape?!"

I managed his name, clutching my stomach as a dull ache started to spread. "Akito...."

"A liar! LIAR!"

"Matte...."

"You told me you'd stay by my side! YOU TOLD ME!"

"Matte!"

"To think you could fool me...HA!"

"I don't know wha--!"

SMACK!

"I said DON'T SPEAK!"

The floor creaked and Akito looked away from me, standing. I thought to use it to my advantage, to try to stand. Instead, he hauled me to my feet, crushing me against him.

"What's going on in here?" There was a large amount of surprise in Hatori's voice. Hikari or one of the other servants must have run off and told him.

"LEAVE US!" Akito yelled at him.

"Akito...? Sei-chan, is everything all right?" Hatori questioned.

No, it wasn't. Take a look at my room, you idiot! I nodded mutely.

"Speak up," Akito growled in my ear.

"Everything's fine." Although the shakiness of my voice indicated clearly it wasn't.

"That's right. Everything's fine," Akito repeated, finally releasing me. "And in a few weeks time," he whispered in my ear. "You won't remember it ever happened." My eyes widened as he cackled. "Oh yes. I've been kind up to this point. But no more. Consider it punishment for you insolence."

I was still in shock when he finally moved away, allowing Kureno -- when did he get here? -- to help him back to his room. He dropped everything on the floor as he left, including the necklace. My body remained frozen, even after Hatori entered the room. Shaking my shoulders did little to bring me shake me out of whatever funk I was in.

"Sei-chan? Sierra?"

I looked at him blankly, unsure of what to say. Would words even form in my mouth?

But I didn't have to say anything. He placed his forehead against mine, his hands clasping my shoulders tightly. I really could've used a hug, but that would have to do.

"It'll be all right," he told me. "I promise. Now, let's get you cleaned up so I can examine you."



I visited Yuki's grave later that night to give him the news. Everyone else in the house had found out. Only Hikari disobeyed Akito's direct order and helped me pack a few of my things. I walked to Hatori's by myself though. He agreed to let me have a few minutes to say my good-byes.

I was crying as I greeted him. His headstone said nothing in return, sitting silently. Waiting.

"I suppose you've heard," I said. "I've gone and done it again. I've gotten what I asked for. But...I didn't want it to turn out like this." With a sigh, I wiped the tears from my eyes. "My memories are going to be erased. Akito's set the date to be the day we were to be married. Ironic, isn't it?"

Only silence answered my question.

The walk to see Kyo was longer than usual. Was I moving too slow? Had time stood still? He stood when I got there, worry plastered to his face. I told him what Akito had decreed. He nearly came through the iron bars of his cage when I told him the news.

"Nani?!"

"I think you heard me the first time," I said, holding back a sob.

"That's--!"

"Unfair...maybe. Maybe not."

Kyo's knuckles were white as he clutched at the bars that separated us. "How far is he going to go? What if--?!"

I placed my hands over his in a show of comfort. It wasn't very. "Hatori said that only the last three years will be taken."

"But that's--!"

"Much better than Akito wanted," I told him with a sad smile. "Hatori convinced Akito that it would be best. Otherwise, well, all of my memories would've been erased."

"All of them?"

"I really pissed him off...and without trying this time."

"Sei...I'm sorry...."

"So am I, but...I'm free now and...he's going to promise me one more thing."

Kyo looked skeptical. "What's that?"

I managed a smile. "You'll see."

Hatori was waiting for me when I arrived back at his house, my bags already packed into his car. I stared at the house that had been my home for only a short while. My heart ached as we drove away. I missed Hikari and a few of the others who had been so supportive. I would see the house only one more time before....

"Sei-chan?"

"Hai?"

"Are you sure you're okay with this?"

I nodded as we turned a corner. My fingers automatically went to my neck. The necklace Akito had given me was gone. I'd left it among the wreckage that had been my room. In it's place was Haru's gift. It felt so much better around my neck. I sighed, watching the house disappear behind a mass of trees.

"I will be."

Shigure was waiting for us on the porch when we arrived. I was leery about staying with him again, but he was adamant and it was somewhat comforting. Unlike the day I first arrived, he helped me with my bags. And once we were inside, he hugged me.

"Sei-chan, gomen nasai. Gomen."

I looked at Hatori, who only shrugged. "It's okay, uncle." I hugged him tightly, wrapping my arms around the neck of a large dog. "It's going to be okay."

In the weeks leading up to graduation I settled back into old habits. I did the bulk of the housework. Gods know the place needed cleaning! I also cooked a special meal in which I invited Hatori and Ayame to join us. There was no real special occasion. Not really. I just wanted to make sure I did something nice for them in return for their kindness over the last three years.

Would you believe Hatori actually cried?

And Ayame didn't get dramatic.

My uncle saved his tears for later.



Graduation came much sooner than expected. It was good to have so many family and friends there to share it with. Arisa and Hana-chan were among the crowd, as was Hana-chan's brother Megumi. Hiro and Kisa sat in for Momiji, who's flight couldn't make it in time for the ceremony. Haru and Rin sent a note of congratulations, but again were absent. Shigure, Ayame and Hatori practically beemed like proud parents...since mine couldn't make the trip.

I braced myself when my name was called. This was it. I was officially a high school graduate.

Too soon would life as I know it change.

I cried when I said my good-byes to Chidori and Sakura. I would forget them in a matter of days when we shared a lifetime of memories. I told them I was going home to attend the university and that I would write to them if I had the chance.

Momiji came home for my graduation party. He cried when he learned the news, even as a rabbit sitting in my lap. I also had a crying Kisa to contend with. Again. For once I'd love to see the girl smile. Even Hiro shed a tear or two. I hugged Kisa tightly and told her what I'd told everyone else. That things were going to be okay. Akito couldn't hurt me anymore.

But had I hurt him?

I hadn't heard from Akito since I moved back to my uncle's house. Hatori said he'd been quieter than usual, keeping to himself. It seemed like he was depressed and his health was declining because of it. He wasn't himself, that's all the doctor could tell me.

I guess only time will tell.

In the week I had left, I tried to figure out what life would be like back in the states. Living with my parents. Never knowing about the family I had known so little about. Would I be happy? Would I meet any of them again?

Would they remember me?

In the long run, I realized there aren't as many bad memories as I had once thought. Sure there are a few things I'd rather forget, but...in reality...there are a lot I didn't want to let go of. A lot I don't want to forget.

I think that's why I wrote all of this.

And now, I'm back where I started.

There's only another hour or two before daybreak. Shigure will be upset that I haven't gotten any sleep. Again. But even if I tried I don't think I could. Sleep, that is.

Today is the end of life as I know it.

Today is the first day of a brand new life.

I don't want to forget. I don't. I had considered running away. Momiji invited me to stay with him in Germany, ever the handsome prince. But even I know that will do little good. Akito would find me too easily and I don't want to have to run for the rest of my life.

On the other hand, I can start over. I won't have to deal with the pain and suffering of the Sohma family any longer. I suppose once I forget, dad will make sure I don't find out about them again. That reminds me, I have to call dad. There's one final detail I need to tell him. Something that will be important once I no longer remember this life.

But for now, it's a secret.

This is where it all ends, gentle reader. If you've made it to the end, then I applaud you. Perhaps you will have what it takes.

Or perhaps you're cursing my very name because I found a way out...even if it wasn't the best.

Oh well. No matter. I wish you the best of luck.

May you have love and happiness always.


~TO BE CONTINUED~


DISCLAIMER:
Fruits Basket is owned by Natsuki Takaya/HAKUSENSHA - TV TOKYO - NAS - Fruba Project and licensed by FUNimation Productions, Ltd (for distribution in the USA). All copyrights go to them and not me. All characters are used here without permission. Please don't sue. No money is being made from the production of this story therefore I have no money to give you.

Sierra Sohma, and all others not associated with Furuba, are my creations and therefore the only thing here I do own. *sigh* Pity them, onegai.