Stout Little Heart

Chapter 16

Graduation Day. It has been two weeks already since the confession on the bridge at ever since, Gakupo haven't talked to me. I understand him though. It's not that easy to talk to the one you love after breaking up with her. I sighed. Well, too much of those sad stuff. Let's talk about the happy ones!

Len and I have been dating everyday for the past two weeks. Our parents really don't know so we go out in secret. Sometimes we tag Meiko along with us just to show that I was with Meiko for that day. I don't know why I'd like to keep this a secret. My parents are actually thrilled if I could have a boyfriend but somehow there seems to be something that's bugging me off. Len was wondering too. It's a good thing he such an understanding guy.

"HOT PERSON! We've finally graduated! Oh my gosh!" Meiko hugged me tightly with joy beaming in her face. I beamed back.

"I know right? But I'll be really sad when the time comes that we will part ways." I said emotionally, choking back a sob. I hugged her really tight again and we both cried on each other's shoulders.

Meiko's parents decided to migrate to America after the graduation and naturally, that's where she would take up her college studies. My parents wanted to stay in Japan since our business is here. Len, on the other hand, would also stay in Japan and would study anywhere as long as I study there too so we would be together.

Meiko broke off the hug and said under her breath. "Have you told your parents about you and Len?" She looked at me straight in my eyes.

"Not yet. I'm planning to tell them maybe when I'm off to college." I replied in hushed tones and looked around to see if anyone's listening. Sensing no one was, I looked back at her. "I'm still unsure you know. I don't know why."

"Don't know what honey?"

I turned around immediately and smiled a little bit too brightly. I saw my mother raising one of her eyebrows at me. Again.

"Nothing Mom. We're just talking about what course we would like to take up in college." I lied. Shit, I'm so lame in lying.

Meiko, God bless her, came to the rescue. "I told her if she wants to take up Biology but she said she doesn't like it. So she doesn't know why." She beamed at my mother and took a glance at me. That was lame too, but not as lame as mine. HAHA!

My mother nodded slowly. "Okay then." She held up her digital camera she's so proud of and said. "Come, let's take a picture!" Meiko and I huddled closely at each other and did some poses before my mom asked, "Where's Gakupo? Let's take some lovey-dovey poses before going home." She smiled and looked around. I gulped and looked at Meiko. She nodded meaningfully. I took a deep breath. "Mom, we already broke up." I bowed my head and prepared myself for some major screaming. I wasn't disappointed.

"WHAAAT? Who broke up with whom?" She yelled. I bowed az little more, aware of the stares some students were giving us.

"Me." I replied shortly and braced myself.

"WHY? Do you know how hard it is for you to find some guy like Gakupo? You've been together for almost two years and you just broke up with him like that?..." And on and on she went. It's a good thing my dad rescued me.

"Stop that Harumi." My father said firmly. He glared at my mother and she did shut up. Nice.

"Let's go home now. Meiko, congratulations once again and have a safe trip." He turned around dragging my mother with him. I didn't follow them. Instead, after saying my last farewell to Meiko, I searched in the crowd and looked for Len. A few minutes after my fruitless search for him, I took a deep breath and made my way towards our car. "He promised to be here," I mumbled under my breath and felt my eyes watering up. I quickly wiped it away. He doesn't deserve my tears! I held my head up high and walked hurriedly.

Approximately fifteen steps before I reach the car, a voice broke the silence of the parking lot. I looked around to look for it and I saw Len leaning against a cherry blossom tree. A smile flashed in my face at the very sight of him. Slowly, I tiptoed towards him and when I reached him, I hugged him as tight as I could. He hugged back and we kissed under broad daylight.

"Where have you been?" I asked when I broke the kiss. I smiled lovingly at him.

He stroked my cheek and replied gently. "I'm sorry, Father was somewhat irritable this morning when we had a talk. Anyway," he changed the subject. "Congratulations. Here's my gift for you," He held out a velvet box. I reached for it and opened it. A diamond ring. I frowned at him. He smiled and to my surprise, he got down in one knee and said, "Rin, would you like to spend your forever with me?"

I was dumbstrucked. Tears gathered in my eyes and then I nodded slowly. Oh my gosh! He just proposed to me! I pulled him up, kissed him passionately and cried. I was so happy!

"RIN! RIN, WHERE ARE YOU?" My mother's voice broke the moment. I quickly pushed him away, wiped my eyes dry and walked towards my mother. I smiled at her. "Mom! I'm here."

"Where have you been? We've been waiting in the car for like hours and then you just came out like that?" She rattled but her words barely registered in my mind. I was intensely thinking how the heck I am going to tell my parents about the upcoming wedding of ours. I sighed.

- Len's Point-Of-View -

As I watched Rin walking with her mother, I felt somewhat hurt with her reaction. It's as if she's embarrassed of me. I sighed. She didn't even take the ring with her. I shrugged. I better go home.

Once at home, my father automatically came up to me and asked if I could have a minute with him. It surprised me. He really didn't talk to me that much. I nodded then followed him in the library. We sat in silence for a while before he dropped the bombshell.

"I won't beat around the bush. You're about to be married Len. You have been betrothed again." He said casually as if we were just discussing about the weather. I felt enraged.

"DAD! I have a girlfriend! And I proposed to her already!" I said.

He stared at me hard and said firmly. "Break up with her. She just one of your playthings anyway."

I got out of the room, slamming the door behind me. Why does they always control my life? I sighed and went to my room silently.

- Rin's Point-Of-View -

When we arrived home from school, my father approached me and asked me if he could talk to me for a minute. I nodded and followed him to his study room. We sat down.

"Rin, I have something to tell you." My father started. He looked kinda nervous. "You're going to be married not later than this month. You can't back out already. All the preparations had been made." He muttered quietly but to my ears it sounded like a bomb.

"You were betrothed since you were 3 years old to my best friend's son." He continued.

BETROTHED? Holy cow…..