Haruka's Point of View

When she murmurs those words, Makoto's head jerks up and my eyes widen. Makoto speaks first, "M-Mei? Why? Why would you say that? I don't hate you!" She doesn't say anything else. Her eyes slowly begin to close. At first, I think she is giving up, but I glance at the monitor. Nothing is getting slower or faster. She must be exhausted.

Makoto once again puts his face down into the blanket. I feel bad for him all together. Yet, I feel bad too for Mei. Having to go through all of that. I clench my fists. Why her of all people? Even though I don't know anything about her, Mei is one of the most nicest women I have ever met. The way we connect... We have similar likes. She said she was quiet in class, as well as I. She said she likes mackerel. Of course I do... But that is all I know about Mei. I would love to know more. I would love to know what happened in her past...

Kou pats my shoulder. She knows the emotions I feel. "Haruka-sempai, I'm sure she will wake up eventually! Don't worry!" I force myself to smile. The first time in a while. "How about we go somewhere? We can leave Makoto-sempai alone." I look down at Makoto who looks like he fell asleep while holding Mei's hand. I feel a pang of jealousy... But I nod.

Just as we walk out of he room, I bump into a tall individual. I stare into his droopy teal eyes. He has short dark brown hair as well... Who is this guy who was about to walk into Mei's room. He steps back and asks, "Is this where Sakamaki Mei's room is?" I remain hesitant but Kou steps in, "Ah!! Yamazaki-kun?! Is that you?!" The man nods but his face remains serious looking. Kou answers his question. "Yes but, what would you want?"

I keep staring. I never saw him before in my life... "I am a distant cousin." Kou's eyes widen. "Wha?! Really?" He looks down. "I haven't saw her in years because she was in America. But... I heard Rin had done something..." I flinch. "You know Rin?" He nods. "He was a close friend of mine when he attended Sano Elementary School. His mother contacted me. When I found out Mei was the victim... I needed to see her. I don't know why, but I was contacted a week later... I'm the closest family member she has."

I don't know what to think about this situation. He could be lying. Yet, his expression on his face, looks pained. Kou sighs, "Well... sadly you just missed her wake up for the first time." Yamazaki gasps. "What do you mean for the first time?!" Kou flinches back at his tone. "Ah! You don't know what my brother has done yet do you... Um... honestly, I just found out today. So I'm not that clear on it either. But maybe, Haruka-sempai, you can help explain to him?" I nod. This guy, looks like the real deal.

"First, I want to see her...", he says. Kou steps aside and says, " Be my guest. I have to leave now. It's getting late. I will see you later guys." I wave to Kou as she runs away. I turn back to the man. He slowly opens the door and enters. I do the same.

When we enter, Makoto is still there. The same spot and position he was in not too long ago. Yamazaki continues to walk through the room. I follow slowly behind him. He gets to her bedside and I stand on the other side. His eyes are widened and his mouth is slightly opened. I can tell he notices her paleness, and her slow heartbeat. However that is all you can see. Who knows what is happening inside... She could be in pain...

"Rin... caused this?" I look at him. He is looking directly at me, but after a few seconds, he grabs Mei's other hand. "I just wish she could've had a better life." I nod. "After speaking with her father once, I can tell she's had it rough." He looks back at me. "What... you spoke with her father?" I nod. "He talked about how she should be dead... I don't know her past, but Makoto told me he was abusive. And I know she had a little brother." Yamazaki looks down at Makoto. "He, was Mei's close friend. I know that much. But what about you?" He doesn't take his eyes off of Mei's pale face. "I just met her when she arrived back in Japan. I learned a lot about her, but her past. That is one thing I would like to know... but first comes first..." I make direct eye contact with him. "You should know what happened."

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We walk out into the lobby of the hospital. The two of us sit in chairs across from each other. I begin by taking out my phone. "This, was the call that led me to her." I replay it for him and he puts it against his ear. His expression didn't change. He hands the phone back to me. "Rin... pushed her into the pool... She can't... swim though..." I nod. I will explain what happens after I found her. "When I got there, she was already under the water. Rin and Mikoshiba were yelling, and I jumped in. She was at the very bottom of the 12 feet end of the pool. I brought her back up and, she wasn't breathing. I tried CPR for 15 minutes straight. Finally, it worked. She was taken here immediately after. Rin was nowhere to be found. She was on a ventilator for 2 days. But they might have to put her back on it again. 5 long days passed before she spoke a word... but those words... mentioned not being liked by anyone. Makoto tried to convince her there wasn't anything wrong with her before she fell asleep again."

Yamazaki looks like he is about to blow a fuse. "So... what was Rin's punishment?" I sigh. "Suspension..." His eyes widen. "That's it?!" I nod. "Since he didn't know she couldn't swim, he can't be expelled." He looks down. "I see... I will have a long talk with him. But for now, I have to thank you." I tilt my head. "What for?"

"You saved Mei. Without you, she could have died." He smiles a serious smile. "Now, I should repay the favor with something you have wanted to know, her past..." My eyes widen. Finally after so long, I get to learn everything!

___________Part 2 of chapter___________

He starts immediately. "As you know from Tachibana-kun, her father is abusive. He got drunk almost every night and screamed at Mei for small things. That is why after his second child, Yukito was born, his wife left him. He was left in a pit of despair and took his anger out on Mei. He hit her so hard, she would run to my house not too far from where she lived in Japan before she met Tachibana-kun.  Almost every 4 hours, she arrived at my doorstep. Crying... I heard she had to take care of her little brother by herself. But he claimed he did it himself and she was no help. But years later, when she was in junior high, 1st year... her father, had done something unforgivable. He set his own house, on fire..." When he said that, my heart drops below my knees. It felt like I was struck with lightning.

"He was drunk of course and he forgot Yukito was inside. Mei tried to save him. He took in too much smoke, and passed away in the ambulance truck. But, they already had plans to go to America due to his job location change. So here, he is a criminal, there, he is a free man... She escaped from him after saving enough money to go back here on her own. Now, he is alone. I just hope he never shows his face in this place again." I'm speechless. I don't think it would be that bad. Mei has gone though too much! I don't even sense it, but a stray tear makes its way down my cold cheek.

"I understand how you feel. But, once again, thank you for telling me what Rin has done, and saving her life." He stands to go back up to Mei's room. But before he does, he turns back to me. "There is a little more you need to know. But when Mei is ready, I'm sure she will tell you and only you. Makoto doesn't know this at all. So it will be between you and her. Remember that." He turns again and disappears.

I... I can't stand the things he just told me. I stand and decide to go home. I was getting late anyway... I will confront Rin eventually, as well as her father...

A/N: Shocker!! Why do you think that extra thing is?! Find out soon. But not next chapter. Just a heads up :-D  Review please!