Sleeping Princess

 

 

 

My feet tattered on the sidewalk as I made my way back home from my date with Risa-san. As if I was stepping on clouds, I gently danced about from one side to another.

“Hehe…”

I giggled as I closed my eyes and reminisced about the events that unfolded only moments ago…

 

---

 

“A problem too big for one person to deal with…”

 

 

That’s what Risa-san said when she made her way towards me, wrapped me in her arms, and held me tight once more. I didn’t explain to her the entire story between Sophia-san and her sister, Taylor-sensei. But I went in deep enough that she understood how complicated this situation was. That my two friends needed to get on a platform this big to be able to see one another.

Her body was soft but also strong. Her grip captivated me all the more as she rubbed her cheek on mine. Right now, Risa-san reminded me of a cat as she friskily teased her nose on my neck.

“It sounds to me like you have a lot on your mind recently, Madoka-san.”

Her warm breath melted on my skin. Tenderly, she began patting my head, causing my chest to fill all the more again for the innumerable time today.

“Yeah…my two friends have been hurting for a while now, and I need help to get them out of this position.”

When she let go, I was met with that charming smile she upheld. After rubbing my cheek in her hand for a moment, she began giggling as she let me go and leaned on her car door.

“What a situation. I’ve been raised by an influential political family…but I couldn’t imagine having to go against them.”

I laid my body on her bright red car too. Determined, I met her eyes once again as my feelings began to cultivate into conviction.

“Listen…I know how this sounds. For the last few weeks, I’ve gone through some…pretty difficult things, Risa-san. But out of everything I’ve done wrong so far…I want to at least help my friends and…do the right thing.”

“No, I get it.”

She nodded.

“I wouldn’t ask this of you…if I knew another way I could make this happen. I’m…sorry for being so selfish when you’ve already done so much for me.”

No matter how I put it…I was asking more than I should from someone as kind-hearted as Risa-san. Not only that, what I was thinking about was going against the wishes of people in powerful places.

“Why do you feel so obligated to help them, Madoka-san?”

Why was I doing this? It was simple…because Taylor-sensei saved me when I couldn’t tell anyone about my feelings. Sophia-san was there to help me calm my feelings for Mari-san too. They…were in a way, my heroines when I needed someone. Now it was my chance…my time to help them. Put the weight of these emotions on myself.

From the outside looking in, the reasons for me wanting to help them aren't readily there. It's not just because of what they did for me…but because I know the level of their hurt. I've felt Sophia-san's cries and how much they weighed on her. I've experienced the darkest side of Taylor-sensei and how willing she is to brush everyone aside…even her own well-being for the person she loves. If I kept them like this…I don’t know how far they’ll fall before it’s too late to save them. And I…I want to save them.

“It’s because…they did more for me than I could imagine. I know it’s selfish of me to ask you…But I…believe you’re the only chance I have at saving them, Risa-san.”

I calmed down as I turned to her.

“When I was confused about my sexuality…it was Taylor-sensei, my school nurse, who took me in and comforted me. She…guided me and showed me that it was alright to be this way.”

With determination, I stood up next to her and confessed what was in my heart.

“And Sophia-san…she found out who I fell in love with. Instead of turning away from me…she supported me and made me that much stronger too.”

 

 

 

With my body, I pushed forwards, catching her on her nose.

“Risa-san…I wouldn’t have been on a date with you today without their guidance… It's thanks to them that I had such a wonderful day today. Now they both are suffering…they both need help…and I would do anything to help them because they're hurting…just like I was."

“Madoka-san…that’s beyond incredible of you.”

I could see the excitement in her eyes as she looked me over. As if a new passion flew through her, she put her hand on her chest and nodded.

“It’s your gift in the end. It’s not like I’m going to cry for not going on stage…”

Cutely, she tilted her head and caused her hair to fall to the side.

“Right now, you are in a moment of your life that you’re trying to find your place…You’re growing into the woman you want to become.”

Her expression shaped into a cunning smile as she put her finger to her lip.

“How fun will it be for me and my Madoka-san to do something this crazy together? I don’t mind…shaking up the world with you.”

She chuckled.

“…Thank you. I promise I’ll make it up to you, Risa-san.”

“Believe me, I’m expecting it.”

 

I approached, with my hand behind my back, what I had to do came to me.

With force, I pushed my head into her space and kissed her on the very cheek she kissed me earlier.

 

 

She tasted like peach as my lips met her skin. It was the only reward I could think of…

And it made my heart flutter in excitement as I expressed my feelings to her. My heart tensed, my body wanted to fall and melt, but I stood strong.

Before she could say anything, I childishly leaned back, gave her a sly smile. To my surprise, Risa-san’s expression was one of disbelief. As if I showed her a magic trick to grand for this world. I tenderly mouthed the words,

“Thank you.”

Before running off like I stole something from her. I made sure I kept up the cutesy vibe as I turned the corner with a beam on my face.

 

 

When I made the corner I stopped and calmed my racing heart.

“…That was…something. I hope Risa-san…loved that.”

Needless to say, my mind was full of my date right now as I began happily skipping my way down the street. I had to stop myself and calm down for a moment as I made my way back home.

My steps weren’t heavy…no, they were light as a feather as I began to plan what needed to be done. My motivation exploded in me as I started formulating how we could finally end this battle of love between them.

How these two sisters can finally be something close to happy. The cool air of the night didn’t take away the fire from my determination. Everything in me made me want to chant…

“I hope it works.”

Yes, I hoped it worked. Because if it did…if it worked…then Sophia-san and Taylor-sensei will finally be able to move on.

When I reached the house, Mari-san pulled up too. So, I waited there patiently as she gathered all of her things and opened the car door. 

"Hey, you…"

“Hi…Mari-san.”

I wanted to catch her with a smile, but it died down the moment she actually stepped out of the car. Knowing my date with Saitou-san…actually went great, I felt guilty thinking about it. She seemed to be carrying stacks of papers, so I took some weight off her shoulders and grabbed some from her.

“Thanks, Madoka-san.”

“Sure, Mari-san.”

After she was done sorting out the things in her car, we approached the house together.

“How was…your date?”

“It was great….”

We stood there briefly. As if someone was choking the both of us, nothing else came out. So…to break this tension I nodded.

“I found out what you were hinting at. Ah…you knew about the tickets, didn’t you?”

She shrugged.

“Well…when she sent you all those tickets the first thing that went through my head…why so many?”

She sighed.

“I saw the price of them later as I was doing my research. 20,000yen each was a bit much. I know she’s loaded but…”

Shaking her head, she turned back to me.

“Well anyway, after realizing that she…might have other feelings for you I looked them up again and found out the winners of the contest and how they will be on stage together.”

“So, you knew from that?”

“I had my suspicions…but what solidified it was who was sponsoring the event…and that was the Hamasaki Inn and Onsen’s sister company. In other words, Saitou-bucho would have the inside knowledge to that kind of thing."

“Wow…you found all that out…just by looking at the page?”

Nervously, she turned away. That’s actually…the first time I saw her act all apprehensive like this. A new side to Mari-san for sure.

“Well…it took a little bit more digging…but I found it. She has all the money in the world it seems. Hehe.”

Her chuckle felt forced. No doubt about it…I believe Mari-san was feeling a bit undermined by Saitou-san. All these complicated feelings made me want to bury my head in shame. I…am easily putting all these emotions on others, and the guilt is starting to tear me down.

“So, have you thought of what you’re going to do, Madoka-san?”

“I have a bit of time…first I’ll talk it over with Sophia-san, and then I’ll go from there.”

She put her hand on my head.

“Smart girl.”

“I’m not a dog, Mari-san.”

“Of course not, you’re a woman…and it’s showing more every day, Madoka-san.”

“Mari-san…”

I recalled that day back in the past where she said that at the breakfast table. When she tenderly made this same statement. At that time, it disturbed me…but now it felt like a warmness that I couldn’t escape from.

“Hm? You both are back together?”

The front door opened revealing mom in her casual sweater and long blue dress. She tilted her head as she questioned…

“Yeah, Mari-san pulled upright when I got here, Mom."

“Just a coincidence…Ayumi.”

“Is that right? Well, it’s cold out here, you both shouldn’t stay out here for much longer.”

Mari-san shrugged as she moved past me. Mom let us in, and we both began taking off our shoes as she walked over to the living room. After setting Mari-san’s work down where she pointed, I also walked in, catching Mom and Hana-chan on the couch together. They had a movie on, and it looked as though they were just starting it.

“Hey, you guys.”

Hana-chan waved at us. We both waved back…it was kind of stupidly adorable how she peeked her head over the back seat of the couch. Only her violet eyes were visible as her nose and mouth hid from us. She reminded me of a groundhog poking her head out of a hole.

“Oh, Madoka…Mari. Would you like to watch a movie with us?”

Excitedly, I nodded. For some reason…that felt like a really fun idea. I couldn’t think of the last time I watched a movie with mom and Hana-chan.

“Yeah, mom and I have been having a movie night. Onee-chan, mom, join in!”

“Sure, Hana. Let me get undressed first, though, honey.”

Mari-san perked up as she raced to her room. I did the same as I rushed upstairs, got undressed, and got into something more comfortable before sitting on the couch next to Hana. For the first time in a while, we were spending time together outside of the kitchen.

At first, the tension was noticeable. Mari-san was on one end of the couch, and I was next to her. Hana-chan and I were smushed up together in the middle, and mom held onto the little flower's shoulder from the end seat.

 

 

The movie she decided on was a mystery romance. One is about a girl who traveled through time looking for the alternative version of the person she loved. It was interesting…

“I bet she isn’t dead.”

Mari-san chuckled as she pushed her body deeper into the couch. She smugly put her nose in the air as she got more comfortable.

"Everyone has clearly seen her die though, mom. It wouldn’t make any sense if she just magically came back to life!”

Our little Hana, out of everyone here, bit back at her mom’s prediction. Like two sleuth detectives, they battled it out on what would happen in the story. Hana was hellbent on making sure she would predict the story before her mom though.

“Hehe, I never knew Mari and Hana had such strong views in a mystery movie.”

Mom laughed.

“I’m just trying to watch the movie here, you two.”

Mari-san shrugged as she looked back at her child.

“We’re ruining the movie for them, Hana. But just you watch~”

“We’ll see, mom!”

She pointed rudely. Mari-san tapped her finger, giving her a wake-up call. She bowed deeply as she apologized silently and began watching the movie again. I…couldn’t help but start laughing.

Mari-san was good at reading these mystery stories. Maybe it was her vast collection of watching tv on the couch every day. Or it might stem from her love of dramas that she was really good at these kinds of stories.

“I bet Mari-san’s right...”

Mom added, giggling to herself. It was strange…how it felt like a switch was triggered, and mom wasn’t acting like how she’s been for the past week or so. I wanted to ask, see what was going through her mind…

But right now, that is how the family should be. We should be enjoying our time like this. None of us should be shackled by worries of the past. The future, one filled with happiness for each other, is what I wanted…

When the movie was over and all the secrets were revealed, I shrugged, confirming the overall story.

“No surprise, Mari-san was right.”

I teased, earning a poke on my side from her.

“Oh, hush.”

“Next time, don’t spoil the movie, Mari.”

“Eh, I’ve never even seen it, Ayumi.”

Mom giggled as she held her stomach.

“Would you all like to watch another one now that everyone is here?”

"Oh! I would love to. Mom, Onee-chan, do you both want to watch one too?”

I nodded, enthusiastically.

“Sure, I would love to.”

"If we're enjoying this together tonight, I'll make us some snacks!"

Mari-san sprinted to the kitchen like a cheetah. This…was the mood I’ve always wanted since that night. The feeling of everyone enjoying their time as a family.

After the movie ended, we all relaxed in order to process the story and feelings behind it.

“That was fun, mom!”

The shorty jumped up. The last movie ran a bit late, and we needed to get to bed. So, Hana-chan jumped up, kissed my mom on the cheek, and rushed up the stairs.

“Yeah, that was fun mom. Thanks for inviting me.”

I gave my mom a kiss on the forehead.

 

“Of course, I’ll see you tomorrow, Madoka…”

I could see her gaze turn to her lover. Something told me she wanted time alone with her, so I stood up and rushed up the steps without saying goodbye to Mari-san. Something was going through mom today, and I felt that I needed to let her express herself to Mari-san. I just hoped that it would all turn out alright…