Nodoka hummed a bit as she prepared a late dinner for her son and granddaughter. It still gave her pause when she thought about that adorable little girl sleeping upstairs with her son. Not that she doubted the relationship between them; after a talk with Soun she was satisfied that her son was in no immediate danger. After a longer talk with her wayward husband she was not satisfied that he wasn't glossing over the truth to her, again. She frowned as she thought of Genma. She loved her husband, she truly did, but she was beginning to wonder if it was worth it. She wasn't blind to his faults even if she chose to ignore some of them. She shook off the bad mood she could feel forming, after all, her little boy was finally home! When she first found out about him it had saddened her to realize that her baby had grown up and didn't need her anymore. But now, even if only for a little while, she would get to take care of him. She finished the meal with renewed vigor.
She went to check up on them and nearly cried at the sight of Ranko cuddled up to her father. It reminded her of how much she had missed out on. Seeing that they would be out for a while longer she decided that she had enough time to get Ranko's paperwork taken care of. This was a phone call she wasn't looking forward to.
"Hello?"
"This is your sister."
"Don't you dare deny you have a sister, I still get a mourning wreath from you every year on my wedding anniversary."
"Yes, that sister, the only one you have."
"Don't even start. I'm not the one keeping me away from the family."
"Just put father on the phone."
"NO, I don't have an appointment. I just need to talk to father."
"So help me, Tachi, if I have to come to the house to take care of this you will regret it. I have had PLENTY of time to practice. Have you been keeping up your studies?"
"Yes, it really is serious."
Nodoka waited while her brother went to fetch her father. Finally the line picked up again. "Hello Father."
"No, I'm not leaving Genma."
"WAIT! Please! I... I need your help."
"No, it's not something Genma has done. It's about Ranma."
"A friend of Ranma's was killed recently, and he left his daughter in the care of my son. The two have a strong bond and he wishes to formally adopt her. Unfortunately, the girl doesn't have any papers or legal identity. I know it's a lot to ask but..."
"Seven."
"Her name is Ranko."
"No, the mother won't be a problem. She's... unavailable."
"Father, please, it's nothing like that. I know you don't think much of Genma but Ranma is a fine boy. The mother is just out of the country and is unlikely to ever come back."
"Thank you."
"Why would you want to see Ranma now? You haven't had any interest in him before."
"I just don't think it will be a good idea. My son is still a Saotome. I know you and mother haven't changed your views on that. It would be better for everyone if things..."
"Yes father. I'll talk to Ranma and if he agrees then I'll set up a time to bring him and Ranko by. It will be his decision whether he wants to get involved after I tell him everything."
"No, I'm going to tell him everything. I know the real reasons Genma couldn't keep a job when we first married. Whatever he is today you helped create. Remember that, father. My son deserves to know it all."
"I lost hope for that a long time ago. Goodbye Father."
Nodoka hung up the phone and then collapsed to the floor, sobs shaking her body. Her family, both her families... the things her family did to break up her and Genma... how could she hate them and yet love them so much at the same time?
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(Posted Mon, 14 Feb 2005 22:43)
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