Chapter 3
"And cut! Good job everyone! that's a wrap!" said the director as everyone started to moving around to keep the eqipments that were around studio. After many years of hard work and also with a little help from my big brother's wife Aiko's connection, I was able to audition for a role but i just got to be an extra for a couple of shows, but it was still a good apportunity and experience for me, you know what people say, there are no small parts, just small actors.
When i turned 16, i asked Aiko if i can be part of the movie or show she was in, which she said yes to and i get to be an extra and gain more experience as an actress.
Ever since, I started getting offers from studios to start being extras for movies and shows, i kept audtioning for roles that i might be suitable for and eventually got cast for an action show which turns out that Aiko was the producer and creator of that show, she actually wanted to write and produce a show for a while when she was acting in other movies and shows, she kinda got the idea from me and also from an old disney show called Kim Possible and another show called Totally spies, she got the idea of creating a show inspired by this shows that shows 3 girls who are spies and are in high school too but they have to deal with problems at home, this shows also represents family in a way that the girls are also part of a spy family too, they were recruited by their family and was trained since young, which is literally a good role for me since, that is totally my life now.
She told me if i have anyone that would fit the role of the 2 other girls for this show since Aiko cast me as the lead girl for the show, so i chose my girls, the girls who have been there with me during high school.
They may not be like my bff - Vienna Hunter but they were always there for me and have always been loyal to me.
Mayumi and Kyoko have always been there, they may be sidekicks in the eyes of others but they are my partners in crime, literally! Well, not literally, firguratively of course. It turns out that before we met, their fathers worked for my uncle in Japan but got transferred to the US and went to the same private school as me.
When we finally met, they were quite shy but I was meaning to expand my circle of friends during those days and they were just the friends that I needed.
Mayumi is strong, fierce and firm like me, so we got along pretty quickly, while Kyoko was more of a loving type of girl. She was always kind and sweet but mess with her, you will see the fire in her eyes, she can be as over protective as i am. We have been friends for almost 8 years now!
Life has been great for me for these past 8 years, I have 2 careers, as an actress and as the right hand man - scratch that right hand woman of the White Tiger gang in America and a very good one as well, if I can say so myself. I am living the most exciting life and I am happy! I mean I should be happy, shouldn't i?
"Hey Risa, the limo should be here, you want to run out now?" Kyoko told me as we were drinking our water bottles and we were thirsty after filming the fight scene of the show. Since i was 16 the show that Aiko produced have run for 5 seasons now and it actually takes place in Japan mostly. The characters we were playing were playing are now in College which technically we all kinda already graduated a year ago, even me because i skipped a grade in high school, so i have more time for filming in the show.
I nodded and gave my bye to the people who helped us with the filming from the people who did the sounds, producers, well not Aiko this time because she kinda needed to be with her children for now as needed a break from this, she started having also more projects to think of for her new show which she told me that she would like my thoughts and creative thinking on what it should be about, i am not sure yet what kind of show she would be thinking of doing, maybe she might try a different genre this time? maybe a movie? Whatever the she is going to produce, i think it would be an interesting thing to see.
Before we exited the set, we went to the dressing rooms and changed to something more comfortable, which was soft hoodies, sweatpants and sunglasses, just say we had a very long day of filming. we needed to take a nap.
We ran out to the limo that was waiting for us outside, we opened the door and plopped on the seats and started making ourselves comfortable and started eating chocolates and snacks in the mini fridge of the limo. We can do that now since, this was the final season of the show for this year and we are continuing the next season next year as we got picked up for another of the show. Oh right, i forgot to mention, the show is called F3irce Eleganz, actually me and the girls are the one that came up with the title of the shows, i'll tell you guys that flashback/story later. now i need to just relax and enjoy the ride to the private jet that we have and shared together.
"Ughhh, that was a long day" Mayumi commented.
"Yeah, but our fans did deserve it, they have been so loyal to us and especially since our first seasons and ratings of the show keep going up." said Kyoko.
"Yeah, you're right Kyoko. Oh, i heard that both little Michael and Mia finally started talking." said Mayumi
"Yeah, and it was amazing, they both said mama and papa all on the same day!" Kyoko exclaimed.
While they were talking about Kyoko's kids and their families, it made me wonder about mine. Well, my family. I held my stomach where the tiny scar is and I looked out the window and felt the sadness of that little life that was inside of me that was taken away 2 years ago.
Then I looked at Mayumi and Kyoko, they had pretty good families with them. Kyoko had gotten married when she was in college to her boyfriend of 3 years and had their twins right away. Mayumi on the other hand, was married once to another actor but he cheated on her multiple times while they were married and no matter how many times she forgave him, he kept doing it and refuse to change, she eventually got pregnant with his child which she lost by miscarriage and he blamed her for it.
What a jerk! it was no one's fault! He eventually got some other girl pregnant and the girl wanted child support, it became a big issue in the media of his affair with a random fan he knocked up. Mayumi then got the couraged to divorced him and leave him which he was unhappy at first but then got the news that after a month or 2 of their divorced being finalised, he married the fan that was pregnant with his baby. Mayumi was devastated and we tried to comfort her. She did loved him once but she realised that love she had for him was toxic that he gave, he always argues with her and even at one point try to hit her which she defended herself, which she almost got a divorce that day but he apologised and she keep giving him chances.
Just say after her father found out about his multiples cheatings and affairs and also about him almost hitting her, there was a brawl between the Mayumi's dad and Mayumi's ex husband, which my dad and his brother had to stopped him. I feel bad for Mayumi for expreincing that, but i am happy that she got out of that toxic relationship and is now happier than ever.
For me, I was also married too, i got married to my boyfriend from high school, he was this cute African/Indian-American boy whose parents were also actors and actress in America which he wanted to be one too. That is the reason i thought we would be good together as we share the same passion in acting but our marriage didn't last that long because i had an uneasy feeling about us being together. I had doubts and he understood and respected my decision and eventually our family understood too.
We were only married for 3 years, he was a good husband but we were not good together, we had problems that a years or even years of marriage counsilling couldn't fix. And after what happened to our child. Our child...
"Risa!" I looked up at Kyoko who was calling me. "I am so sorry that we are talking about kids even though yours... I mean it has only been 2 years.... I mean since." she started stuttering.
"Since my son died before he was born? It's okay Kyoko, yes it still hurts but what's done is done. I can never change the past and I was reckless and lowered my guard down that day, but my son is in heaven now and he is with my ancestors now.
"That is a sweet way to put it Risa." said Kyoko and Mayumi nodded too.
When we reached the private jet, we all started to doze off in our individual seats as we were all really tired from a long day of filming. It was going to be a long flight, better get our beauty rest.
In the city
When we finally reached the city, I saw 3 limos waiting for us and the sound that came out of the last limo made us smile.
"Kyoko!" I heard Kyoko's husband calling her name once we stepped out of the jet.
"MAMA!!!" Both of her children called her as well, it was adorable and Kyoko started crying and quickly went down the stairs to hug them and she waved at us goodbye and so did her husband before they went inside the limo.
"Mayumi!" that sound from the 2nd Limo and it was Mayumi's father and her mother waiting for her, holding her apparently sleepy 5 year old twin brothers. Yup, her brothers are five and Mayumi is in her 20s, a long age gap for siblings but Mayumi, Kyoko and I loved the long sibling age gap. They are adorable! Mayumi doesn't want to admit it, but she might have teared up as well seeing her family waiting for her to come back from filiming with Kyoko and I, but hid it with her sunglasses.
Lastly the first limo and i know very well who is inside of it, they will always try to come and see me as much as they can since i'm out of the country most of the time. I went down the stairs and waved to the girls as they were about to leave.
I went inside and I was immediately attacked with a hug. "Oh my little girl, how are you? How was the filiming?" When mom released me I took a deep breath.
"The filiming was great, you know you three don't have to come and get me right?" I said as I looked at mom, Ryo and my sister- in- law/ childhood bff Vienna.
If you are asking me, Yes! My best friend and the girl I always called my sister is my brother's wife. They got married immediately when they turn 18 due to my brother being her mate and her own wolf can't control her emotions towards my brother. They were then blessed with twins this year and I can't wait to meet them in person.
"Hey, we need to fetch you. We barely get to see you due to your busy schedule and plus they wanted to see you too." said Ryo.
"They? Who's they?" I had a confused look plastered on my face.
They started to shift and then I saw my niece and nephew sleeping in their carrier, it was adorable. Vienna is a beautiful black woman so her pigmentation was shown in the kids very clearly and it was beautiful, 2 beautiful babies. I was kinda sad that I was paler than her in a way but to my Japanese family, turns out i was tanner than them. Weird right?
"Oh my god, Ryo! Vienna! They are gorgeous." i said as i looked at them snoring and drooling. It Makes me feel sad that I will never get to experience this, being a mother.
When my son died it was because I was shot in the stomach when he was 6 months pregnant with him. After that, when i went and consulted with a doctor, he said that due to complications and some damages, I was unable to ever get pregnant again. I cried that day when he told me and I just wanted to...Just...I can't even say it.
When I got to my parent's house, I was greeted by my father who just came back from work even though we told him that he could retire, he has always been a stubborn man.
The current leader of the White Tiger gang and his wife, my big brother which is kei and his wife is there too, my onee chan and onee san which i like to call them sometimes, well rarely now.
They brought their kids with them 2 pairs of faternal twins, 1 year apart from each other. They were really into each other.
After catching up with my family, I went back home with Ryo and Vienna as we all lived together in a penthouse. It was pretty big and Vienna's brother was the one that recommended the place.
I know what you are saying, is it awkward to be a third wheel in the house? Not exactly, they thought that i wouldn't be stress on finding a house and getting a house of my own seems pretty lonely and they would be worried about me, although i don't mind the peace and quiet of being alone in a house. Eventually they convinced me.
"So, i still haven't asked you guys what their names are." I asked them as we were sitting on the couch watching TV.
"Wow, it took you that long to ask us?" Ryo chuckled at me and I glared at him.
"It's not my fault, i am not in the zone now. Especially the time zone, I'm still in Japan time and I am not adjusted to what is going on. So you just have to forgive me on that." I told him and now both of them laughed at me even though I scowled at them. They have immunity against my powers of scowling.
"Their names are Byron and Brianna Yamamoto. What do you think?" Vienna asked me.
"Oh so you stick with the same first letter? Well, i think that's cute! So nick name By and Bri?" i commented
"We didn't think about the nicknames. That's adorable! Thank goodness that is not a name that you can make fun of, cause we really thought about the names alot lately." Vienna said and we kept talking about their kids and the challenges on the first few days.
I think Vienna is handling it quite well since she helped take care of all her brother's children when he was stressed out of his mind. But for my baby brother on the other hand, it looks like he keeps dozing off which means it is...
"Okay bedtime!" I stood up and shouted.
"What?" Vienna said
I heard Ryo snoring and woke up from it. "Huh?...what?"
"I need sleep, Ryo needs sleep, hey! We all need sleep. Let's go off to bed." i suggested and Vienna understood what i'm talking about.
"Okay babe, let's go to sleep." she said while she took the kids and her half awake husband to bed. While i went to my own room, yes! A room all for myself.
Once I stepped into my room, I closed the door shut and locked it, took my clothes off and went straight to shower. Once I finished my hot shower, I came out with my bathroom wearing a bathrobe on my body and a towel on my head as my hair is still wet from my shower just now.
I noticed something when I reached the edge of my bed, that my room seems empty, like no warmth was in here. I feel very sad thinking about what else is missing in this room which is someone to share it with. Like mom and dad, or Ryo and Vienna and even Aiko and Kei. It made me feel very lonely, which I shouldn't feel.
I snapped myself out of it and started pinching myself. "Stop it Risa, you are the one that wanted a divorce and plus both of you were not happy in the marriage, you shouldn't feel this way. It's what's best, you didn't have the feeling for him like you should have." I went to my dresser where there is a mirror facing me and I sat on the chair in front of it.
I then took my phone and started streaming an old telenovela but more of an American version of it drama type show. "You like him but you don't like him. I said to myself as I took off the towel on my head and let go of my hair, took my brush and started brushing it. "You don't like him, not like you should, not like you like..." and before i was about to continue the argument with myself, i saw that there was a scene in the drama and reminded me of when Brandon and I watched this show when we were trying to do our homework but got distracted and there was so much homework that we decided to take a break and watch this Drama instead before we continue with the homework. i then stopped brushing my hair.
Flashback
Brandon and i went to the outside cafeteria to do our homework and the reason we didn't do our homework in the library is because it was kinda really too quiet and plus we aren't allowed bring snacks and we both sometimes hungry while doing homework. I was doing my math homework and so was Brandon and just say, i am good at math.
I know that you guys think, aren't you just following a stereotype? Well, yes but the reason why i am good at math is because when i was little i was actually bad at math, i got Fs and Ds and that's because i didn't understand the subject well, and because of that Aiko helped me with understanding math and now i like it.
See, everything doesn't have to be a stereotype, you know i used to be bad in the Japanese subject? yeah, i was surrounded by english speakers so much when my grandparents knew that i couldn't Japanese to them, they got so worried for me and my brother Ryo too. Learning subjects hard work and some of us have strict parents who will guide us to be the best version of ourselves. And don't get it twisted, there is a difference between strict and abusive/toxic parents. i only have strict who have rules that makes sense overtime when i grow older.
Now back to the homework, i saw Brandon was doing is homework and saw that he wasn't that bad in math either, same with me, kinda. I actually wanted to study with him to know the subjects i would be taken in advance so i can prepare myself because i actually wanted to skip a grade in high school and with my grades now, i am able to do that and graduate high school a year early.
i kept looking at Brandon as he was doing his homework and notices me staring at him doing his homework. "What?" he said smilling at me.
"Just kinda admiring"
"admiring what exactly?" he asked me.
"Admiring how smart you are."
"Speak for yourself, you are the smart one here, look at your grades, i don't think i have ever seen you with a B before, all A's for you, i be trying to figure our math equations and trying to B's in like Physics and Biology and all that memorising subjects. while you get A's here and there, i think i need you to teach me instead." he said chuckling and i did.
"Yeah, but you are not doing that bad either, you can do well, i have seen your work Brandon, you are actually smart!" i said and i saw him smile at me. " and plus my grandparents are strict and so are my parents, they want me to do well in school so i would have more opportunities when i am in college and get a career. Which i did tell them was acting and my other career i am considering but i get what they mean, sometimes without knowing what is applied in school can come in handy in life too."
"Oh really, how do you figured that out?"
"Hmm, let's say you want to make a plan and a strategy you need both math and also for you to solve a certain problem like an equation to solve that problem, you also need memorisation to remember the plan in exact or as much as you can to go through with the plan. so something like that, you get what i am trying to say Brandon?"
"Yeah, i guess so but from the way you put it, it's like you are going on a mission or something, like a spy."
*Oh no! did i expose my other career to him by accident? Risa! why did you that? Change the subject quickly!*
"Yeah, it kinda does seem that way the more you think about it, speaking of spies, did you see the Drama yesterday, the telenovela type of Drama?"
"Oh yeah, i did see it yesterday with my sister and mom while my brother and dad were at work, it was kinda dramatic yesterday's episode, like i know is a little cliche but the suspense make it work. like the evil twin sister trying to take away her own twin sister boyfriend, like what?! and the finding out that they have another secret sibling the grandmother hid away for safety. So much reveal in one episode."
"Yeah, you want to stream it and watch it again?" i asked Brandon.
"Yeah, of course, i like to watch it again! Oh okay, that is enough of homework for now, it's time for a streaming Drama TV show with some snacks." Brandon says while he took out some chips he bought from the school's vending machine in the inside cafeteria and i smiled at him while i took out my M&Ms, which i bought 2 of, one with nuts and one which is just milk chocolate.
"I bought some chocolates fo my snack time. Yay! It's stream that Telnovela Drama time."
"Yeah!" said Brandon and then i started taking out my phone which was kinda small but my laptop was on the shop due to technical issues.
While we were watching the Telenovela Drama show, i noticed that Brandon was kinda distracted, like he wanted to ask me something but was hesistant to ask.
"What's wrong Brandon?" i asked him.
"I actually wanted to ask you something but i am not sure how to." he said.
"Just ask me Brandon, what's wrong?"
"I kinda thought of what you said about that time we were discussing on acting, like what do you think if i also want to start a acting career too?"
"You want to start an acting career too?"
"Yeah, i do like plays and also seeing actors on TV shows like these seems quite exciting, i would actually prefer a comedy sitcom, since i comedy."
"I think that if you want to be an actor, that would be a good idea, you are like a funny comedic guy and you do make the class laugh with comedic effects and funny jokes. i have heard those jokes before. Hey, that means that we would be having the same career, who knows maybe we can be in the same TV show or even movie."
"Yeah, that would have been good an all but i am not sure if i can since not alot of people would make it as an actor, and plus this is New York, i think alot of people would come here or either LA to start a career in acting. And also i don't think my parents would approve of me to not go to college and start an acting career. i actually was planning to study business and working in a office, it may sound boring to others but i kinda like it. Eversince i started computer class in school, i like doing this type of work and i am good at it."
"Well, i know what you mean by that, but that doesn't mean you can't be actor too, there are alot of actors that went college, universities, google them. If you want be an actor, just try and be one, go to auditions and try, even being an extra can give you an experience, and being in auditions can give you some experience too. why don't you just try and be an actor, you encourage to try to be an actress, this time, i want to encourage you to be an actor. You can do it Brandon!" i said while being excited for him.
Brandon smiled at me. "Thanks Risa, you are such a good friend and a talented person too. i know you can make it as an actress with your talents."
"Thanks for saying Brandon, you are a good friend too" i said smilling at him back and then we continued watching the Telenovela Drama on my phone.
Present
It took me a while before I knew that the Telenovela was already half way through the episode.
"Brandon..." I looked down on my chest to look at my necklace which is shaped of a butterfly, i took out the butterfly necklace that I have. I was sad that day and Aiko gave it to me as a friendship necklace and gave me a plain ring to give to Brandon as a way to remember of our friendship together. She also told me if I gave the 2nd one to the person I love which was Brandon and if faith allows it, we will meet and reconnect with each other again. It was a bond necklace and ring but... I knew it wasn't a real one because it has already been years and the person that i love, has loved another and that person isn't me.
I started crying, tears falling down on the necklace and I felt it tingling somehow but i didn't care because I just couldn't control my tears and I didn't know why. I felt a sudden emotion that seems like mine but seems like they aren't mine either. I just kept crying! I am being so emtional today and this feelings just doesn't seem like it's only mine.
Other side of City
Brandon's POV
I went downstairs and heard my father talking on the phone with his boss/best friend.
"WAIT? WHAT?! Alessandra is getting married? To that gang leader, Leo right? Who helped her when she was abroad? Wow! I wish her all the happiness in the world from me and Maya." he said smiling but i wasn't happy.
I texted mom that I wasn't hungry from upstairs and locked my bedroom door behind me, I slid down from that door to the floor. I started to crouch myself and without even noticing it, tears escaped from my eyes and I started crying uncontrollably.
I looked down and saw the ring, i felt a tingle on my ring finger as I held it, it was Risa's ring that she gave it to me when she told me that she would be moving to Japan, the only woman left I know that might still have hope for me and understand me.
I stood up and wiped my tears away and went to my drawer near my bed and took out the anti-depressants I had 5 months ago when Alessandra and I broke up. I was so depressed and so messed up, I didn't know what to do.
I took the medicine and washed it down with the water bottle I had on my night stand while continuing to wipe every tear from my face.
"5 months... It took her 5 MONTHS?! For her to accept a proposal from that gangster and i can't get her to marry me after 5 YEARS of being together?! Am i really that pathetic? Why is this happening to me? It was just one mistake, I didn't mean it. It was just one mistake!" I kept saying to myself as I crouched on my bed and slowly lied down and drifted off to sleep.
When i turned 16, i asked Aiko if i can be part of the movie or show she was in, which she said yes to and i get to be an extra and gain more experience as an actress.
Ever since, I started getting offers from studios to start being extras for movies and shows, i kept audtioning for roles that i might be suitable for and eventually got cast for an action show which turns out that Aiko was the producer and creator of that show, she actually wanted to write and produce a show for a while when she was acting in other movies and shows, she kinda got the idea from me and also from an old disney show called Kim Possible and another show called Totally spies, she got the idea of creating a show inspired by this shows that shows 3 girls who are spies and are in high school too but they have to deal with problems at home, this shows also represents family in a way that the girls are also part of a spy family too, they were recruited by their family and was trained since young, which is literally a good role for me since, that is totally my life now.
She told me if i have anyone that would fit the role of the 2 other girls for this show since Aiko cast me as the lead girl for the show, so i chose my girls, the girls who have been there with me during high school.
They may not be like my bff - Vienna Hunter but they were always there for me and have always been loyal to me.
Mayumi and Kyoko have always been there, they may be sidekicks in the eyes of others but they are my partners in crime, literally! Well, not literally, firguratively of course. It turns out that before we met, their fathers worked for my uncle in Japan but got transferred to the US and went to the same private school as me.
When we finally met, they were quite shy but I was meaning to expand my circle of friends during those days and they were just the friends that I needed.
Mayumi is strong, fierce and firm like me, so we got along pretty quickly, while Kyoko was more of a loving type of girl. She was always kind and sweet but mess with her, you will see the fire in her eyes, she can be as over protective as i am. We have been friends for almost 8 years now!
Life has been great for me for these past 8 years, I have 2 careers, as an actress and as the right hand man - scratch that right hand woman of the White Tiger gang in America and a very good one as well, if I can say so myself. I am living the most exciting life and I am happy! I mean I should be happy, shouldn't i?
"Hey Risa, the limo should be here, you want to run out now?" Kyoko told me as we were drinking our water bottles and we were thirsty after filming the fight scene of the show. Since i was 16 the show that Aiko produced have run for 5 seasons now and it actually takes place in Japan mostly. The characters we were playing were playing are now in College which technically we all kinda already graduated a year ago, even me because i skipped a grade in high school, so i have more time for filming in the show.
I nodded and gave my bye to the people who helped us with the filming from the people who did the sounds, producers, well not Aiko this time because she kinda needed to be with her children for now as needed a break from this, she started having also more projects to think of for her new show which she told me that she would like my thoughts and creative thinking on what it should be about, i am not sure yet what kind of show she would be thinking of doing, maybe she might try a different genre this time? maybe a movie? Whatever the she is going to produce, i think it would be an interesting thing to see.
Before we exited the set, we went to the dressing rooms and changed to something more comfortable, which was soft hoodies, sweatpants and sunglasses, just say we had a very long day of filming. we needed to take a nap.
We ran out to the limo that was waiting for us outside, we opened the door and plopped on the seats and started making ourselves comfortable and started eating chocolates and snacks in the mini fridge of the limo. We can do that now since, this was the final season of the show for this year and we are continuing the next season next year as we got picked up for another of the show. Oh right, i forgot to mention, the show is called F3irce Eleganz, actually me and the girls are the one that came up with the title of the shows, i'll tell you guys that flashback/story later. now i need to just relax and enjoy the ride to the private jet that we have and shared together.
"Ughhh, that was a long day" Mayumi commented.
"Yeah, but our fans did deserve it, they have been so loyal to us and especially since our first seasons and ratings of the show keep going up." said Kyoko.
"Yeah, you're right Kyoko. Oh, i heard that both little Michael and Mia finally started talking." said Mayumi
"Yeah, and it was amazing, they both said mama and papa all on the same day!" Kyoko exclaimed.
While they were talking about Kyoko's kids and their families, it made me wonder about mine. Well, my family. I held my stomach where the tiny scar is and I looked out the window and felt the sadness of that little life that was inside of me that was taken away 2 years ago.
Then I looked at Mayumi and Kyoko, they had pretty good families with them. Kyoko had gotten married when she was in college to her boyfriend of 3 years and had their twins right away. Mayumi on the other hand, was married once to another actor but he cheated on her multiple times while they were married and no matter how many times she forgave him, he kept doing it and refuse to change, she eventually got pregnant with his child which she lost by miscarriage and he blamed her for it.
What a jerk! it was no one's fault! He eventually got some other girl pregnant and the girl wanted child support, it became a big issue in the media of his affair with a random fan he knocked up. Mayumi then got the couraged to divorced him and leave him which he was unhappy at first but then got the news that after a month or 2 of their divorced being finalised, he married the fan that was pregnant with his baby. Mayumi was devastated and we tried to comfort her. She did loved him once but she realised that love she had for him was toxic that he gave, he always argues with her and even at one point try to hit her which she defended herself, which she almost got a divorce that day but he apologised and she keep giving him chances.
Just say after her father found out about his multiples cheatings and affairs and also about him almost hitting her, there was a brawl between the Mayumi's dad and Mayumi's ex husband, which my dad and his brother had to stopped him. I feel bad for Mayumi for expreincing that, but i am happy that she got out of that toxic relationship and is now happier than ever.
For me, I was also married too, i got married to my boyfriend from high school, he was this cute African/Indian-American boy whose parents were also actors and actress in America which he wanted to be one too. That is the reason i thought we would be good together as we share the same passion in acting but our marriage didn't last that long because i had an uneasy feeling about us being together. I had doubts and he understood and respected my decision and eventually our family understood too.
We were only married for 3 years, he was a good husband but we were not good together, we had problems that a years or even years of marriage counsilling couldn't fix. And after what happened to our child. Our child...
"Risa!" I looked up at Kyoko who was calling me. "I am so sorry that we are talking about kids even though yours... I mean it has only been 2 years.... I mean since." she started stuttering.
"Since my son died before he was born? It's okay Kyoko, yes it still hurts but what's done is done. I can never change the past and I was reckless and lowered my guard down that day, but my son is in heaven now and he is with my ancestors now.
"That is a sweet way to put it Risa." said Kyoko and Mayumi nodded too.
When we reached the private jet, we all started to doze off in our individual seats as we were all really tired from a long day of filming. It was going to be a long flight, better get our beauty rest.
In the city
When we finally reached the city, I saw 3 limos waiting for us and the sound that came out of the last limo made us smile.
"Kyoko!" I heard Kyoko's husband calling her name once we stepped out of the jet.
"MAMA!!!" Both of her children called her as well, it was adorable and Kyoko started crying and quickly went down the stairs to hug them and she waved at us goodbye and so did her husband before they went inside the limo.
"Mayumi!" that sound from the 2nd Limo and it was Mayumi's father and her mother waiting for her, holding her apparently sleepy 5 year old twin brothers. Yup, her brothers are five and Mayumi is in her 20s, a long age gap for siblings but Mayumi, Kyoko and I loved the long sibling age gap. They are adorable! Mayumi doesn't want to admit it, but she might have teared up as well seeing her family waiting for her to come back from filiming with Kyoko and I, but hid it with her sunglasses.
Lastly the first limo and i know very well who is inside of it, they will always try to come and see me as much as they can since i'm out of the country most of the time. I went down the stairs and waved to the girls as they were about to leave.
I went inside and I was immediately attacked with a hug. "Oh my little girl, how are you? How was the filiming?" When mom released me I took a deep breath.
"The filiming was great, you know you three don't have to come and get me right?" I said as I looked at mom, Ryo and my sister- in- law/ childhood bff Vienna.
If you are asking me, Yes! My best friend and the girl I always called my sister is my brother's wife. They got married immediately when they turn 18 due to my brother being her mate and her own wolf can't control her emotions towards my brother. They were then blessed with twins this year and I can't wait to meet them in person.
"Hey, we need to fetch you. We barely get to see you due to your busy schedule and plus they wanted to see you too." said Ryo.
"They? Who's they?" I had a confused look plastered on my face.
They started to shift and then I saw my niece and nephew sleeping in their carrier, it was adorable. Vienna is a beautiful black woman so her pigmentation was shown in the kids very clearly and it was beautiful, 2 beautiful babies. I was kinda sad that I was paler than her in a way but to my Japanese family, turns out i was tanner than them. Weird right?
"Oh my god, Ryo! Vienna! They are gorgeous." i said as i looked at them snoring and drooling. It Makes me feel sad that I will never get to experience this, being a mother.
When my son died it was because I was shot in the stomach when he was 6 months pregnant with him. After that, when i went and consulted with a doctor, he said that due to complications and some damages, I was unable to ever get pregnant again. I cried that day when he told me and I just wanted to...Just...I can't even say it.
When I got to my parent's house, I was greeted by my father who just came back from work even though we told him that he could retire, he has always been a stubborn man.
The current leader of the White Tiger gang and his wife, my big brother which is kei and his wife is there too, my onee chan and onee san which i like to call them sometimes, well rarely now.
They brought their kids with them 2 pairs of faternal twins, 1 year apart from each other. They were really into each other.
After catching up with my family, I went back home with Ryo and Vienna as we all lived together in a penthouse. It was pretty big and Vienna's brother was the one that recommended the place.
I know what you are saying, is it awkward to be a third wheel in the house? Not exactly, they thought that i wouldn't be stress on finding a house and getting a house of my own seems pretty lonely and they would be worried about me, although i don't mind the peace and quiet of being alone in a house. Eventually they convinced me.
"So, i still haven't asked you guys what their names are." I asked them as we were sitting on the couch watching TV.
"Wow, it took you that long to ask us?" Ryo chuckled at me and I glared at him.
"It's not my fault, i am not in the zone now. Especially the time zone, I'm still in Japan time and I am not adjusted to what is going on. So you just have to forgive me on that." I told him and now both of them laughed at me even though I scowled at them. They have immunity against my powers of scowling.
"Their names are Byron and Brianna Yamamoto. What do you think?" Vienna asked me.
"Oh so you stick with the same first letter? Well, i think that's cute! So nick name By and Bri?" i commented
"We didn't think about the nicknames. That's adorable! Thank goodness that is not a name that you can make fun of, cause we really thought about the names alot lately." Vienna said and we kept talking about their kids and the challenges on the first few days.
I think Vienna is handling it quite well since she helped take care of all her brother's children when he was stressed out of his mind. But for my baby brother on the other hand, it looks like he keeps dozing off which means it is...
"Okay bedtime!" I stood up and shouted.
"What?" Vienna said
I heard Ryo snoring and woke up from it. "Huh?...what?"
"I need sleep, Ryo needs sleep, hey! We all need sleep. Let's go off to bed." i suggested and Vienna understood what i'm talking about.
"Okay babe, let's go to sleep." she said while she took the kids and her half awake husband to bed. While i went to my own room, yes! A room all for myself.
Once I stepped into my room, I closed the door shut and locked it, took my clothes off and went straight to shower. Once I finished my hot shower, I came out with my bathroom wearing a bathrobe on my body and a towel on my head as my hair is still wet from my shower just now.
I noticed something when I reached the edge of my bed, that my room seems empty, like no warmth was in here. I feel very sad thinking about what else is missing in this room which is someone to share it with. Like mom and dad, or Ryo and Vienna and even Aiko and Kei. It made me feel very lonely, which I shouldn't feel.
I snapped myself out of it and started pinching myself. "Stop it Risa, you are the one that wanted a divorce and plus both of you were not happy in the marriage, you shouldn't feel this way. It's what's best, you didn't have the feeling for him like you should have." I went to my dresser where there is a mirror facing me and I sat on the chair in front of it.
I then took my phone and started streaming an old telenovela but more of an American version of it drama type show. "You like him but you don't like him. I said to myself as I took off the towel on my head and let go of my hair, took my brush and started brushing it. "You don't like him, not like you should, not like you like..." and before i was about to continue the argument with myself, i saw that there was a scene in the drama and reminded me of when Brandon and I watched this show when we were trying to do our homework but got distracted and there was so much homework that we decided to take a break and watch this Drama instead before we continue with the homework. i then stopped brushing my hair.
Flashback
Brandon and i went to the outside cafeteria to do our homework and the reason we didn't do our homework in the library is because it was kinda really too quiet and plus we aren't allowed bring snacks and we both sometimes hungry while doing homework. I was doing my math homework and so was Brandon and just say, i am good at math.
I know that you guys think, aren't you just following a stereotype? Well, yes but the reason why i am good at math is because when i was little i was actually bad at math, i got Fs and Ds and that's because i didn't understand the subject well, and because of that Aiko helped me with understanding math and now i like it.
See, everything doesn't have to be a stereotype, you know i used to be bad in the Japanese subject? yeah, i was surrounded by english speakers so much when my grandparents knew that i couldn't Japanese to them, they got so worried for me and my brother Ryo too. Learning subjects hard work and some of us have strict parents who will guide us to be the best version of ourselves. And don't get it twisted, there is a difference between strict and abusive/toxic parents. i only have strict who have rules that makes sense overtime when i grow older.
Now back to the homework, i saw Brandon was doing is homework and saw that he wasn't that bad in math either, same with me, kinda. I actually wanted to study with him to know the subjects i would be taken in advance so i can prepare myself because i actually wanted to skip a grade in high school and with my grades now, i am able to do that and graduate high school a year early.
i kept looking at Brandon as he was doing his homework and notices me staring at him doing his homework. "What?" he said smilling at me.
"Just kinda admiring"
"admiring what exactly?" he asked me.
"Admiring how smart you are."
"Speak for yourself, you are the smart one here, look at your grades, i don't think i have ever seen you with a B before, all A's for you, i be trying to figure our math equations and trying to B's in like Physics and Biology and all that memorising subjects. while you get A's here and there, i think i need you to teach me instead." he said chuckling and i did.
"Yeah, but you are not doing that bad either, you can do well, i have seen your work Brandon, you are actually smart!" i said and i saw him smile at me. " and plus my grandparents are strict and so are my parents, they want me to do well in school so i would have more opportunities when i am in college and get a career. Which i did tell them was acting and my other career i am considering but i get what they mean, sometimes without knowing what is applied in school can come in handy in life too."
"Oh really, how do you figured that out?"
"Hmm, let's say you want to make a plan and a strategy you need both math and also for you to solve a certain problem like an equation to solve that problem, you also need memorisation to remember the plan in exact or as much as you can to go through with the plan. so something like that, you get what i am trying to say Brandon?"
"Yeah, i guess so but from the way you put it, it's like you are going on a mission or something, like a spy."
*Oh no! did i expose my other career to him by accident? Risa! why did you that? Change the subject quickly!*
"Yeah, it kinda does seem that way the more you think about it, speaking of spies, did you see the Drama yesterday, the telenovela type of Drama?"
"Oh yeah, i did see it yesterday with my sister and mom while my brother and dad were at work, it was kinda dramatic yesterday's episode, like i know is a little cliche but the suspense make it work. like the evil twin sister trying to take away her own twin sister boyfriend, like what?! and the finding out that they have another secret sibling the grandmother hid away for safety. So much reveal in one episode."
"Yeah, you want to stream it and watch it again?" i asked Brandon.
"Yeah, of course, i like to watch it again! Oh okay, that is enough of homework for now, it's time for a streaming Drama TV show with some snacks." Brandon says while he took out some chips he bought from the school's vending machine in the inside cafeteria and i smiled at him while i took out my M&Ms, which i bought 2 of, one with nuts and one which is just milk chocolate.
"I bought some chocolates fo my snack time. Yay! It's stream that Telnovela Drama time."
"Yeah!" said Brandon and then i started taking out my phone which was kinda small but my laptop was on the shop due to technical issues.
While we were watching the Telenovela Drama show, i noticed that Brandon was kinda distracted, like he wanted to ask me something but was hesistant to ask.
"What's wrong Brandon?" i asked him.
"I actually wanted to ask you something but i am not sure how to." he said.
"Just ask me Brandon, what's wrong?"
"I kinda thought of what you said about that time we were discussing on acting, like what do you think if i also want to start a acting career too?"
"You want to start an acting career too?"
"Yeah, i do like plays and also seeing actors on TV shows like these seems quite exciting, i would actually prefer a comedy sitcom, since i comedy."
"I think that if you want to be an actor, that would be a good idea, you are like a funny comedic guy and you do make the class laugh with comedic effects and funny jokes. i have heard those jokes before. Hey, that means that we would be having the same career, who knows maybe we can be in the same TV show or even movie."
"Yeah, that would have been good an all but i am not sure if i can since not alot of people would make it as an actor, and plus this is New York, i think alot of people would come here or either LA to start a career in acting. And also i don't think my parents would approve of me to not go to college and start an acting career. i actually was planning to study business and working in a office, it may sound boring to others but i kinda like it. Eversince i started computer class in school, i like doing this type of work and i am good at it."
"Well, i know what you mean by that, but that doesn't mean you can't be actor too, there are alot of actors that went college, universities, google them. If you want be an actor, just try and be one, go to auditions and try, even being an extra can give you an experience, and being in auditions can give you some experience too. why don't you just try and be an actor, you encourage to try to be an actress, this time, i want to encourage you to be an actor. You can do it Brandon!" i said while being excited for him.
Brandon smiled at me. "Thanks Risa, you are such a good friend and a talented person too. i know you can make it as an actress with your talents."
"Thanks for saying Brandon, you are a good friend too" i said smilling at him back and then we continued watching the Telenovela Drama on my phone.
Present
It took me a while before I knew that the Telenovela was already half way through the episode.
"Brandon..." I looked down on my chest to look at my necklace which is shaped of a butterfly, i took out the butterfly necklace that I have. I was sad that day and Aiko gave it to me as a friendship necklace and gave me a plain ring to give to Brandon as a way to remember of our friendship together. She also told me if I gave the 2nd one to the person I love which was Brandon and if faith allows it, we will meet and reconnect with each other again. It was a bond necklace and ring but... I knew it wasn't a real one because it has already been years and the person that i love, has loved another and that person isn't me.
I started crying, tears falling down on the necklace and I felt it tingling somehow but i didn't care because I just couldn't control my tears and I didn't know why. I felt a sudden emotion that seems like mine but seems like they aren't mine either. I just kept crying! I am being so emtional today and this feelings just doesn't seem like it's only mine.
Other side of City
Brandon's POV
I went downstairs and heard my father talking on the phone with his boss/best friend.
"WAIT? WHAT?! Alessandra is getting married? To that gang leader, Leo right? Who helped her when she was abroad? Wow! I wish her all the happiness in the world from me and Maya." he said smiling but i wasn't happy.
I texted mom that I wasn't hungry from upstairs and locked my bedroom door behind me, I slid down from that door to the floor. I started to crouch myself and without even noticing it, tears escaped from my eyes and I started crying uncontrollably.
I looked down and saw the ring, i felt a tingle on my ring finger as I held it, it was Risa's ring that she gave it to me when she told me that she would be moving to Japan, the only woman left I know that might still have hope for me and understand me.
I stood up and wiped my tears away and went to my drawer near my bed and took out the anti-depressants I had 5 months ago when Alessandra and I broke up. I was so depressed and so messed up, I didn't know what to do.
I took the medicine and washed it down with the water bottle I had on my night stand while continuing to wipe every tear from my face.
"5 months... It took her 5 MONTHS?! For her to accept a proposal from that gangster and i can't get her to marry me after 5 YEARS of being together?! Am i really that pathetic? Why is this happening to me? It was just one mistake, I didn't mean it. It was just one mistake!" I kept saying to myself as I crouched on my bed and slowly lied down and drifted off to sleep.