Meeting the in-laws (corrected version)

Meeting the in-laws.

Before you read this, know that: This is the first story I wrote since my 2nd year of high school, and that English is not my first language, so please forgive a few weird sentences, and grammatical mistakes.
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Lilly and I were cuddling on the couch, drinking tea, like we've been doing every night since we moved in this apartment three months ago. It was a small apartment that had only one bedroom. The only source of natural light was a small window with a view on the courtyard. It was a crappy apartment. We couldn't even afford a T.V., but I didn't care; all I cared about was having Lilly next to me when I woke up every morning.

'You seem very quiet tonight, Hisao. Is something wrong?

'I am fine. I just remembered, today is the first year anniversary of the day I almost lost you forever.' As I said this, I could see a grim expression on Lilly's face. She still felt guilty about almost leaving. 'Don't worry!' I said, trying to lighten the mood. 'You came back for me. It's the only thing that matter now.' As I said this, she held me even thighter.

'I am sorry, Hisao! You almost died because of me.'

'But I didn't!' I retorted. I desperately tried to change the subject. 'Tanabata is in three days, and as I remember, I still owe you for last year.'

'You still remember after all time?' she said, as she grinned. 'Did you managed to get a day off?'

'Yes, I did, but I had to...' I was interupted by the phone. It was a foreign number.

'Hey, Akira! It's been too long!'

'Hey, Hisao. Is Lilly home?' I knew it was bad news just by the tone she had.

'Yes, she's right there. Is something wrong?

'Yes, I have bad news. Put me on speaker, I need to talk to both of you.'
'Akira, what's wrong?' Lilly asked.

'I overheard the old man talking Japanese on the phone. I think he's planning a trip to Japan to bring Lilly back to Scotland.'

'Are you sure?' I asked. 'M-maybe he's just going on a business trip to see how the Japanese branch of his company is doing.'

'No. He would have told me if this was just a business trip.'

'What are we going to do?' I asked, nearly panicking.

'Look, he may be an asshole, but he can be reasonable. Lilly, if you can show him how happy you are here, he may let you stay. Hisao, you will have to convince him you're a good guy.'

'Any advice on how to deal with him?'

'Yeah. Be honest with him, but don't tell him anything he doesn't need to know.'

'Ok, thank you, Akira. Do you know when he's supposed to be here?'
'In three days. I'll call you later.'
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It's been three days since Akira called to warn Lilly and I. Lilly's dad should arrving minute now. Each second felt like an eternity. The sound of the clock ticking was unbearable, getting worse each seconds.

'This goddamn waiting is unbearable!' I said.

'Calm down, Hisao! You're going to have an other heart attack!'

'I can't! What if he hates me? What if he takes you back to Scotland? We'll never see each other again! I am not sure if I can take it...'

'He will not take me back to Scotland! I wont let him!' She hugged me, then, she kissed me. I'll never get tired of that french vanilla taste.

'I am sorry, Lilly, it looks like we're going to miss Tanabata this year again...'

'It's okay, Hisao. I'll go with Hanako.' This what pisses me the most about Lilly's dad arrival. I am going to miss Tanabata. Again.

'I'll make it up to you, somehow...'

We spent the next few minutes in silence holding each other, until someone knocked on the door. Oh God no. He is here.

'Remember, Lilly, act like you're surprised to see him.'

I opened the door, and saw him for the first time. He was about 5'8, had graying, balding hair, and wore a suit. The very model of Japanese business man. His look was pretty generic.

'Is the the residence of Hisao Nakai?' The man asked.

'Yes' I reply 'I am Hisao Nakai.'

'May I enter you home, Mr. Nakai?

'Of course. May I ask who you are?'

'I am Yoshiro Satou, but you will refer to me as 'Sir.''

The man enters the apartment, visibly looking for something. 'Alright, Nakai, I know she's here.'

'Father! What are you doing here?' Lilly asked, trying to sound surprised.

'I am here to meet the guy who stole you from me. I must say, I am not impressed.' said the man as he toured the very modest apartment. 'And what is this? Only one bedroom?'

Crap... Off to bad start already.

'Well, Nakai, you would mind telling what kind of things you do with my daughter in there? Can't you afford a bigger flat?'

'Father!' Lilly interrupt.

'My parents are paying for the rent, Sir. I didn't chose this place.' Still, I am pretty sure a second bedroom would be useless anyways.

'So, you can't even afford you own place, and you expect to support my little girl?

'Father! I am happy here. Hisao is a wonderful man.'

'I'll be the judge of that. Come on, Nakai. You and I are going to have a little chat.

Spending my day with a balding old man is not how I wanted to spend my day off, but I don't really have a choice. When we get to the parking lot, the first thing I noticed is a jet black luxury sedan, on Scottish plates. He must have it flown from Scotland to intimidate me. It was working.

'You noticed my car, as I can see.' He must have seen the expression on my face. 'That, boy, is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG. It costs 15.6 million Yen, and is not yet avaible in Japan.' Wow. What a showoff.
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I have been sitting in the car for several minutes, rolling on the freeway, in awkward silence. A silence that was broken by Mr. Satou.

'So, Nakai, tell about about that heart condition of yours. I need to know more about it before I trust you with my daughter.' Well, I guess I should have expected this.

'It's called arrhythmia. Basically, my heart is beating irregularly, and sometimes skips a beating. When I exert myself, I get cardiac palpitations, which can be very painful at times. I take a walk everyday in order to improve my condition.'

'Yes, of course. Akira told me that you found out about your arrhythmia after a heart attack.'

That is correct, Sir. My parents thought it would be best to send me to Yamaku, since they both work at lot.'

'Did you have any other heart attack since?' Mr. Satou asked.

'Only one, Sir. I was running after Lilly because I wanted to see her one last time before she left.'

'So, you risked your life, just to see my daughter one last time? I guess that's why she stayed in Japan. Nevertheless, that's very stupid of you, Nakai.'

'Have you never done anything stupid because you were in love?' I asked.

'How dare you ask me something like that! That's none of your business, young man!' Said Mr. Satou, in very angry tone. The next thing I noticed, was something I would never have expected from him. Tears. It was obvious that I hit a nerve when I asked him if he ever did anything stupid out of love.

'Are...are you crying, Sir?'

'Mind your own business, Nakai.' He obviously did not wanted to talk about it.

'Where are we going?' I asked, trying to break this awkward silence.
'Have ever played Golf, Nakai?' Wow, how cliché can this guy be? A middle aged businessman, driving an expensive luxury sedan, who plays Golf.

'No.' I replied. 'I never had the occasion.' Not that I sought such an occasion to begin with. Golf must be the most boring thing in the world. Just a bunch of old guys hitting a ball with a stick, talking about how much money they made this month. 'But I am looking forward to it.' I said.

'We're going to a country club I used to go to, before I moved to Scotland. Since this is your first time, we're just going to hit the driving range.'
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The country club was worse than I expected. It was everything you'd expect from a country club . A bunch of expansive looking foreign cars, no doubt displayed this way to show the wealth of the club members. Palm threes imported from Florida and a lot of old people aged between 50 and 70. But the worst, by far, was the clothing they make you wear. I liked the sweater vest, but the hat and pant were just awful.

'Ah! Mr. Satou!' Said the receptionist. 'It's been years since your last visit!'.

'Well I moved to Scotland and...' While Mr. Satou checked in, I decided to call Lilly to see how she was doing.

'Hey, Lilly. How are you doing?'

'Hisao? Are you getting along with my father?'

'Not really. I told him about how I ran after you. He said that it was stupid to risk my life for you. He snapped at me when I asked if he ever did anything stupid because of love. Do you know anything about this?'

'Sorry, Hisao. I don't know anything about it.'

'Anyways,' I said with forced cheer. 'are you having fun with Hanako?'

'Yes, we just got to the festival. Hanako told me it's even bigger than last year.'

'Well, at least one if us is having fun. I wish I could be there with you two.'

'I know. What are you doing right now?'

'I am going to play Golf. I always wanted to play Golf.' I said sarcastically. She giggled. 'I am going to make it up to you, somehow, I promise'

'Nakai, follow me!'

'I have to go, Lilly. I love you.'

'I love you too, Hisao. Bye'

I followed Mr. Satou to the batting cages.

A few minutes later...

'So, Nakai, did you played any sport before your heart attack?'

'I used to play Soccer.' I reply, trying to hit the ball. 'Mostly because all my friends played. I never really got into it. Aside for my daily walks, and occasional jogging, I don't really do any sport. What about you, Sir?'

'I used to do Kendo. I was pretty good, too. But I lost all interest one day.' Say Mr. Satou with a wistful tone.

'Why?' I asked, as I swing my club wildly.

'I don't want to talk about it!' Wow. I guess I touched a nerve again. 'Besides walking and jogging, what to do you do?

'I read a lot. Nothing is more relaxing than reading a book, while drinking a nice cup of tea. I do it every night.'

'What kind of book do you read, boy?' Mr. Satou asked, genuinely interested.

'Science fiction, mostly. I guess Science fiction has more appeal for me because I have a big interest in science.'

'Is that what you are going to study at university?'

'Yeah.' I reply. 'Although, I don't know what I'll do after. I thought about being a Science teacher.'

'And what are you doing now?' Mr. Satou asked.

'I am working full time in a grocery until the beginning of class. Then, I'll work there part time to pay for my daily expanses. Lilly has found work at a local library. She's in charge of the braille section.'

'This morning, you mentioned that your parents were paying your rent. Why are you not living with them?'

'Well, there is two reasons for that.' I retort. 'The first one reason is that their house is too small for four people to live comfortably. The second reason is, that I want my independence. After having some sort of independence living at Yamaku, I couldn't got back to my parent's house. They would worry too much about me, because of my condition. They wont pay the rent forever, though. As soon as Lilly and I graduate, and find a steady job, we're on our own.'

'Do you intend to marry Lilly one day?' I guess I should expected this question sooner or later, Mr. Satou being a very traditional man and all. I never really thought about it. I think that we're too young for marriage yet, although, I don't dislike the idea. 'I certainly plan to, one day. Although, I can't see this happening until after we both graduated from university.

'You better not make Lilly pregnant before you marry her. I am already utterly disgusted by the fact that you two had unwed intercourse.'

'We never...'

'Do not insult my intelligence, young man! Mr. Satou interrupts. 'Two young people, living in one bedroom flat with little to no entertainment?'

'Point taken.' I said, swinging my golf club. Then suddenly, disaster! My chest was hurting. Bad. I must have pushed my body too hard. 'It's been six months since I had chest pain like  that!' I said to myself. Why today? Of all days, why does it have to be today?' Then, it hit me. In the commotion this morning, I forgot to take my medication!

'I huh... I have to take to a break.'

'Oh?' said Mr. Satou. 'Is your heart giving up on you?

'No!' I said, trying to swing my club again, only making things worse.

'Sit down, boy!' Mr. Satou ordered. 'If you die on me here, Lilly will never let me hear the end of it!' Nice to see he cared so much.

'We better head back.' Said Mr. Satou.

'Yeah.' I just wanted this day to be over. This was by far the worst Tanabata day of my life, and considering where I spent my day last year, that's saying something.
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The return trip trip was taking longer than expected. We found out later it was because of a huge car accident. Which meant that Lilly's dad was interrogation mode again. At least the car was comfortable, but with a price tag of 15.6 million, it should be.

'I got to know, Nakai, why did you let Lilly live her own life?' Mr. Satou asked. 'Why didn't you let her go?

'Could you have let her go if you were in my shoes?' I retorted.

'Yes, I could.'

'And would you be fine with that?'

'I...I don't know...'

'Sir, you may not like me, but Lilly does. A lot. To answer to your question, I could not let her go for two reasons. First, because she means the world to me. I rely on her more than I'd like to admit. I was down and out when I first arrived at Yamaku. I had just lost my life. Lilly gave me a new one. Just seeing her smile was enough to brighten my day. I realized how important she was to me when she went to Scotland.'

'And what's the second reason?'

'I didn't want her to go through what I went through.' I replied

'Which is?'

'Losing her life.'

'How dare you say that?' Mr. Satou quickly retorted. 'She would have lived a life of ease, and luxury if it wasn't for you!'

'What's a life of luxury and ease without the people you love?'

'She would have lived with people she loves. She would be with her family!'

'The same family that abandoned her when she was 12?'

'How dare you question my decision? I left her here so she could have a better education!'

'I could understand why you left Akira behind. But why could't you take Lilly with you? Is it because Lilly was blind? Couldn't you find a school that's adapted for people with her condition?'

'I...I...' I never expected to shut him up.

'Anyways, these are the reasons why I couldn't let Lilly go.' The next few minutes were spent in awkward silence. A silence broken by Mr. Satou.

'I wish I had your guts, Nakai.' Did I heard him right? Did he just gave me a compliment? 'You asked me earlier today if I ever did something stupid because of love. You see, Lilly's mom was not the first woman I ever loved.'

'She wasn't?' I asked 'Then, who was your first love, if I may ask?'

'Her name was Akira Akiyama.'

'Akira?' I said. 'Is your daughter named after her?

'Yes.' He said. 'Now stop interrupting me, boy! I met her about 35 years ago. I was 16. We were in the same kendo class. That's where I met her. She was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. She had long brown hair, gorgeous jet black eyes, not too tall, but not too short either. She was the best of our class, even giving our instructors a hard time. I thought an average looking guy like me would never have a chance.'

'So, did you ever talked to her?' I asked

'I would never have talked to her, if our instructors hadn't paired us. I never talked to anybody. I had no real friends before I met her. My only acquaintances were my brother's friends.'

'But you did talked to her, right?' I asked.

'I did. But it took one year before I had the guts to ask her if she wanted to hang out, outside our Kendo classes. We quickly became friends after that. We hung out with each other after every class. Eventually, I realized that was I was feeling for her, was more than friendship. Every time I closed my eyes, she was the only thing I could see. I could only think about her. I was in love.

'Did you asked her out?' I inquired.

'I tried. On several occasions. But every time I tried, I choked, or we were interrupted, most of the time, by my brother, Jigoro, who was also in love with Akira.'

'Harsh.' I said. But, you did ask her out eventually, right?

'I was 20 by the time I worked up the courage to tell her. But then, one day, we went to beach. This was the best day ever. Akira and I, all alone on a deserted beach, talking, swiming, laying down on the sand. But it was all too good to last.' Said Mr. Satou before continuing his story. That morning, I wanted to confess, but she also said she had something important to tell me, and that she wanted to wait until the day was over.

'Did you went to the party?' I asked.

'No. I couldn't. Seeing her one last time would have only made it more painful.'

'So, you never told her how you felt about her? Why?'

'Because I didn't wanted to her to feel bad about leaving.'

'Maybe she would have stayed if you told her then.'

'You don't understand, boy. There are some things that you just cannot change! Telling her how I felt would have made things worse. For both of us.'

'I beg to differ, Sir.' I argued. 'I proved that when I ran after Lilly at the airport last year. Maybe she still would have left, maybe she would have stayed back for you, like Lilly did. But now, you'll never know, because you choked, like you always did! Sir...'

'How dare you speak to me with that tone! I am your elder, and you will show proper respect!'

'Look, Sir, just because you missed your shot at first love, doesn't mean you have the right to deny your daughter that chance. Lilly loves me, and I love her too. She means the world to me. Do you even care about her happiness?'

'Of course I do! I...'

'Well, it doesn't seem like you do!' I said, interrupting him mid sentence. 'Weren't you planning to take her back to Scotland?' I said, getting angrier by the minute. 'You lost your rights over her when you abandoned her! You can't make decisions for her, now! And if you can't accept it, then you can go to hell! Sir.' I was bracing for his reaction, but it never came. Maybe his silence was his way to say I was right. The awkward silence lasted for a good half hour, before it was broken once again by Mr. Satou

'Well, Nakai, it seems that you managed to do, what despite my wealth, I could not. You made Lilly happy. I may not like you, and I may not approve you relation with my daughter, but I do want her to be happy, don't you ever think otherwise! Lilly has always been my favorite daughter. Don't get me wrong, I love Akira too, but she was always having trouble, always arguing with her mother and I. Lilly, on the other hand, was always polite, she always did what we told her. When I found out she wasn't coming back to Scotland, I was very surprise that she would defy me like that. I would expect that from Akira, but never from Lilly. I would have come earlier I could, but I had too much work at the time.'

'It seems like you still put you career ahead of your family.' I was particularly arrogant that night. Probably because I was so pissed at him.

'Do you know why I am such a workaholic, Nakai?'

'No. Why?'

'When Akira left for America, I started to spend all my nights and my money going out in the town, doing anything just to get her off of my mind. But when the morning came, I was right back where I started again. Trying to forget her was just a waste of time. So, I started to work harder, and harder. My boss was pleased with that, so that's why I climbed the corporate ladder so fast.'

'I guess I would have done something similar if I had failed to catch Lilly in time.'

By the time we cleared the crash, it was well after dark. Mr. Satou had planned to have dinner with me, but it was too late for that, and we said all we needed to say to each other.

'Take good care of my daughter, kid. If I hear you're mistreating her, we're going to have a problem you and me.'

'I sure will, Sir.' I replied, as I was getting out of the car.

'Call me Yoshiro, please, I insist. Farewell, boy.'

'Goodbye, sir, huh Yoshiro.'

As I watched the jet black luxury sedan wander away into the night, I thought about how relieved I was that Lilly's dad wasn't going to be a problem anymore. At least, for now.
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As I stepped into my apartment, I could see Lilly sleeping on the couch, still wearing her blue Yukata. It was the most beautiful sight I seen that day.

'Hello, Hisao.' Said Lilly, yawning. 'What took you so long?'

'There was an accident on the way back. A blue sports car from the 70s, and a black foreign sports car crashed on the highway, it took 4 hours to move the wreckage.'

'Oh my!' Said Lilly. 'So, how was your day?'

'It was awful.' I replied. 'I had to listen to an old man rambling all day, I almost had another heart attack, and I got stuck in a traffic jam. But I managed to convinced him that you would happier here. Anyways, how was your day?'

'It was fine. Hanako and I had a lot of fun. She even managed to meet a boy that seems genuinely interested in her.'

'Really?' I asked 'How did she react?'

'She was very shy at first. It took some convincing on my part, but she agreed to see him again. We could go on a double date with them next Sunday, if you want.'

'I would like that very much.' I said, trying to cover a huge yawn.

'My, my, you seem awfully stressed, Hisao.' Said Lilly, in playful tone, as she embraced me, her hands slowly moving down from my sides.  'Is there anything I can do to help you unwind?' She asked.

'I may have a few ideas.' I said as Lilly giggled.

'Oh?' She asked, playing along. 'And what that might be?'

'I think you know.' I replied, as we were heading towards the bedroom.