Fallen

Chapter 6: Old Flame

Last night was incredible. Mark was magical and to tell you honestly since I haven’t been with a man before, I could never tell the difference but what I do know now, is that, my Angel  is the only man for me.  I love him and no one can ever take this feeling away from me.

Cherry Blossom Festival is fascinating. There are many flower stalls with different kinds of cherry blossom flowers to choose from. With beautiful artistic finishes in colors of white, blue, yellow orange and red.  Visitors and foreigners who travel from far off countries like in the U.S., Canada and Europe come and flock to Japan during this time of year.  Not to mention my friends Vita, Kouku and Shoju. Vita and Kouku have been in a relationship since elementary. I remember those days when Vita and I ran away from Kouku to hide because he wanted to kiss Vita though jokingly, Vita was always hesitant but blushing, for even if she didn’t admit it. She likes Kouku and loved him ever since they became neighbors  when we were 10 years old. Kouku would ask me about Vita and ask me to help him write letters for her. Which I always do since I loved both of them like my siblings. Shoju is the quiet type. But I always catch him snooping or looking at me every time we did P.E. after the academic classes. I love running, so I am always sent to compete for school sports events and he plays the piano, which made him popular because of his wonderful talent. Shoju is very similar with Shoji who is a popular young classical pianist in Japan. But Shoji played classical and then twists it just like Maxim Mrvica who is Croatian classical crossover musician combining pop music with the old in the new age of classical flavor. Shoju is like the Korean vodka that really keeps you high and drunk with passion and emotion. I haven’t heard from him and it’s been a while. He is touring now and I have watched some of his videos and his Asian tour was a success. I heard when Vita called a couple of weeks ago that he will be visiting here in Najori and will stay for a week to have a vacation after touring. He is with his manager/girlfriend, Sayaka  who is also a musician herself why they hooked up and is a very known power couple in the music industry here in Japan.   

Hmm!, so much for Shoji.  Speaking of a couple, my partner is maybe cooking something nice. It smells good here. Wait what time is it? Oh no! It’s already 10 in the morning. How come Mark haven’t woke me up….Sh…..!!!, Belle shouted in her head. When coming down the stairs toward the kitchen that is just a few steps near the living room overlooking Lake Nijori, I caught Mark fixing breakfast. Haaa!!!, it’s a weekend. I totally forgot. Haay, thank God. I have time to rest and not worry about paper works and spread sheets for Monday. It is still a Saturday so I might as well take advantage of today and Mark, hihi!! I thought in a wild way, smiling secretly. When I sat on our little huts cute wooden chair and rested my elbows on the tiny round table for two, Mark’s eyes lighted and smiled at me. He walked like rushing and kissed me delightfully on the lips. Breakfast is ready, I made chocolate porridge and hot milk for two. I toasted bread and fried some eggs on the side. I hope you like it my love, Mark added tasting every word deliciously.

Mark and I talked about many things including the shop, our future plans and my pursuing my studies. I really wanted to take up  History, Arts and English Literature in college when I felt my cell vibrate several times. Mark is already fixing the table when I checked on  my phone. Hmm….what is the rush anyway, I thought curiously. Mama texted me that Shoji is in town and everybody is so glad to welcome him, our “idol” of the town. Since I have mentioned before that he is a rising star in Japan. I don’t want to let this special  moment with Mark end, not yet. So, I messaged Mama that we will be back tomorrow to help out with the party.

Shoji was waving his hand to the shouting fans not far from the tarmac. Ogenkidesuka (how are you?), Aishiteru, I have been a fan Mr. Shoji, a teen age girl said while the popular pianist just got down from the plane stairs. Arigatōgozaimashita (Thank you), he added politely smiling at the overwhelmed fan girl. She was jumping up and down along with her best friend maybe, when Shoji handed her the poster she gave with his signature on it.

Sir, move along here, the Organizer for the welcoming committee advised. There will be a conference to be held in the airports function area just for an hour. Sayaka is with Shoji along with his two trusted muscled body guards. Sayaka was talking with the guards while the Organizer explained what Shoji needed to do in the short interview.  Not more than 20 photographers and news people are present to ask questions with no more than 5 important Q’s for the tabloids and publicity ads.

Najiri ni kaette kuru to dōomoimasuka (How do you feel coming home to Najori?), the reporter from the Japan News asked. Oh, it is good, I really missed my family, friends and fans in Japan especially Lake Najori!. I am really happy to be back. I love  and miss you guys!, Shoji said while his fans consist of teen age girls and boys shouted, cried and laughed hearing his kind, sweet words,  without any problem speaking the English language for he had been to and fro travelling, touring ever since he was 15 years old. It’s nearly 10 years since that day when I was dreaming with my friends about this day. And it finally happened. Because of you, I was able to reach my dreams and this is just the start. I was just an ordinary boy with an extraordinary dream. But it is not a dream anymore but a reality. Papa, this is for you! ( Not knowing that Shoji’s mom was watching on T.V. though she is still distant especially when Shoji’s dad died, when he was just 10 years old same as when Belle’s dad passed trying to save his best friend, Shoji’s dad, her love for his son is indefinite)  He still has the memory when he was with Belle, Vita and Kokou playing, joking around, his childhood friends. Little that Belle now, how much he misses her. Shoji intends to stay longer for his family and Belle. But he still hasn’t any idea that Mark, the mysterious guy who happens to be an angel, will be his rival sooner than he thought.

I really wanted to come home and surprise you with something new guys, so watch for it, Shoji added smiling an idol smile and cameras clicked all together that as if they are like fireworks popping wildly on T. V.  and camera screens.  

Sayaka was following Shoji to the car, a black limousine, after waving to his fans, one of his body guard closed his side of the door so as Shoji’s smile faded.  I am tired Sayaka, let’s proceed to the hotel. I’ll visit Mama tomorrow, Shoji seriously said coldly while Sayaka just nodded.

In reality, Sayaka is Shoji’s girlfriend but sort of like a robot that she doesn’t have power to disobey her master. Little that the public know, Sayaka who is an excellent violinist before she knew him was well known and more infamous than Shoji now. But things changed and she fell head over heels on Shoji that she totally decided to forget her own happiness.  Sayaka is beautiful compared to the cos play and anime artists combined. She is definitely perfect, body and face.

Shoji is relaxing in the tub when naked Sayaka came in to join him. Sayaka, I’m not in the mood, please, cover yourself, he said harshly that the girl immediately ran out teary eyed in shame. Sayaka cried while covering herself with a towel. She is so hurt that she despised Shoji. Looking at herself in the mirror she wanted to curse him but she couldn’t, I love you Shoji, I don’t know why, I just do that it hurts so bad, the feeling’s killing me little by little, Sayaka thought to herself while sobbing.

Haa…I don’t want to be cold Sayaka, but, I am not the perfect man for you, It’s better this way than pretend to love you when I love someone else, Shoji thought while catching a deep breath, thinking about Belle, again. How many times have I thought and tried to want to call her and ask how she’s been after all these years. Hmm.. I wonder if she still remembers me or our promise. We were 12 years old then, she was so lonely when her dad passed because he wanted to save mine from the fishing trip they planned. I was supposed to come on the trio but I had fever then and was not able to join them. I was comforting Belle and due to my sadness too, I accidentally kissed her on the lips and because she was also missing her dad, she responded by hugging me and kissed me back. I almost forgot my self and wanted to go further but as I was touching her breast and unbuttoning her blouse, Belle stopped me. She said I am her closest friend and she doesn’t want to ruin that special bond we have. I was hurt, I told her that I love her ever since we were little and she just smiled at me still with tears on her eyes saying she loves me too, but as a friend. I didn’t want  to leave Najori but because of that I needed to, and I couldn’t  look at Belle’s eyes after what happened. Haaaa… Belle, Belle, I still love you and why can’t I forget you, why!!!!!?????, Shoji thought angrily but calmed himself down and called for Sayaka to bring him wine. Sayaka all covered, gave him a bottle of wine with one glass on the side. Care to drink with me, my dear? Shoji said and held Sayaka’s hand pulling her covered body to be wet on the tub with him. Sayaka was surprised but smiled then laughed teasingly when Shoji, released the knot on her bathrobe and the night was filled with desire, lovemaking on the tub. Sayaka never imagined to be in a hot mess with him but she wished this night would never end.

Mama, I heard Shoji’s already here!, Belle shouted very excited to see her best friend, when she went home with Mark from the hut. She was running towards the front lawn and was already shouting outside the gate when Shita opened the front door.

Sinano news team, now delivering information on television about an upcoming  storm to hit Kyushu which will swerve to Shinano district after. Mama, Shita, Ojichan and Mark are sitting on the dining table for a sumptuous meal of hot pot, garlic bread, fried octopus and nori covered Sushi, when I remembered the time a storm Etau hit Ibaraki and Tochigi  last 2015 that brought tremendous rains and destructive floods causing 2.8 million people in the area evacuate. How I knew, well, I love reading newspapers and magazines, plus surfing the net and researching, right!. Damages were so high but Japan recovered from that too. Now this, with the storm named Jebi. In the Kansai region, then to Kyushu, and leave finishing up with Shinano. I can’t believe how may storms we faced. I can’t complain for the Philippines is one country that has been hit by many storms since “Undoy” and all. So, Japan is no different.

Hey! You barely touched your food. Belle, what are you thinking?, Mark asked concerned touching my hand a bit. Shita, Mama and  Ojichan looking at each other’s faces getting some reactions but just a shrug and smile from one another. Shita is more of teasing when she looked at me, that I immediately brushed off by a mean look. Which left Shita rolling her eyes and picking up her plate along with everybody’s excluding Belle who hasn’t finished hers yet.

I am okay, it’s just that I have a bad feeling about this storm. Oh, well, it’s just a feeling but I want to introduce you to my best friend, Shoji.  He is a great person, I’m sure he will love you too, I’ll be fine, thanks, don’t worry, I added gladly and hugged Mark endlessly. I wanted to think for a while and kissed Mark sweetly on the lips, telling him to rest and we will have a full day tomorrow with meeting Shoji and all. I wonder what shoji looks like now, bet so handsome. Hey! Mark again interrupting my dreamy feeling, haha, what? I’m just thinking about something, I replied smiling at him and gesturing for him to go to him room and rest. I am okay, will be sleeping in a bit. I closed the door behind me, Mark still looking strange, his face was like worried and half questioning. I was doodling something on my diary, when I checked on the previous pages when my childhood friends Vita, Kokou and Shoji were still living in Shinano with me. We had fun in the olden days. I remembered when we went to a an abandoned warehouse last time. I think that textile factory is still standing as I speak. But I think, the  district of Shinao wanted it destroyed, I wonder if they continued with the project. Anyway, I need to sleep, Hmm, I haven’t had rest since two days ago when, hehe, when Mark and I….you know had that magical moment. Haaay! Oh, maybe he is like worried or jealous about …yeah why his face was as if questioning me. I opened my bedroom door and there I saw Mark still standing in front of it. Ah…haaaa, you scared me, why are you standing there, and have you been ….I said frantic and almost had a heart attack when I saw a huge guy in the dark standing in front of my door. Hahaa!,sorry Belle, I was hearing what you’re thinking and I am  kind of jealous about this Shoji, but when you thought of me and  what happened with us recently, I’m relieved. I love you, Belle!, Mark added now not more than 5 inches away from where I’m standing. I love yo…., I said when he kissed me on the lips without finishing my line. And I don’t want to tell what exactly happened next, hihi!. Mark decided to sleep in my room all night long.

Storm Jebi came inside Japan and hit Kyushu. It’s not a bit long now that it’ll deliver havoc to Shinano. Though Mark, Belle, Shoji and Sayaka knew the storm will come at  the day, the news later said that Jebi will come at the exact time when Shoji and the gang went to the abandoned textile factory near Lake Nijori, near an iconic shrine called Shinano Shokonsa. Wow! This factory have been here for decades but since made out of iron and clay it stood mighty, but I wonder if it’ll stand against the storm. Anyway, Shoji introduced Sayaka and I, Mark and bought with us food for a time to hide away, as per Shoji, his time off, since now a renowned artist. He wanted to get away from the crowd and  just have a bit of peace with himself or with us for a change. It’s been a long time since I visited Auntie Maki . She still seemed distant after all these years that Papa tried to save Uncle Taka from drowning on the fishing trip they did last. Shoji esteemed us and showed the new house he bought for her. Auntie is glad but she still has that scar written all over her face about Uncle’s passing and I too still have that mark when Papa died along with him. But Mark changed everything.  I don’t know what I’d do if I lost him. Mark saw me looking at him seriously and he smiled with the handsome grin which my make my heart melt always.

Time to visit our childhood spot, the textile factory. Mark asked where it is and advised us not to go there since there was a storm coming and it’s been reported that high tides are coming in soon. A strong   gust of winds  gave me the chills but I ignored it. We still went ahead since Sayaka and Shoji seemed to miss adventures like this such as when they went mountain climbing one time almost reaching Mt. Fuji but since frost bites pretty painful, they decided not to pursue and just chilled in Toe Bar.

Mark and Sayaka went ahead and checked on the infrastructure. Though it’s been two decades, the factory still stood strongly. But I saw that the huge sewer built a couple of years ago is still in use. I think the flood waters flow through there, about a hundred feet or so from where the factory lies. Hey! Belle, come look at this, Shoji shouted and waved at me to look on something inside a room, I think it’s the textile production room. I can still smell the old rugged  and sort of like burnt machine run with oil but a little less now compared to when  we were younger 20  years ago. 

I was about to head to open the door when Shoji grabbed my arm and reached for my face kissing my mouth. Hmph!!!, Sho….what are….y..um..hump…, me trying to talk while he was kissing me and not stopping at all. I loved you ever since Belle and  I still  do until now. Please, just one last time, I want you and been thinking about you, about this moment every day, Shoji added, still locking both of my hands now on top of my head. His knee is in between my legs and I can’t get out of this fit. Are you crazy! Sayaka and Mark are in there and why now, still, after all these years? Shoji, I told you that I love you but as my best friend and not someone I….Shoji held my hands tightly, still kissing me, now he went far as unbuttoning my sleeveless shirt, exposing my breasts and like a mad dog, he was totally turned on now. Shoji, please, stop this, I said in a whisper, so Mark and Sayaka won’t here. But little did I know, Sayaka was about to fetch us, she was shocked seeing us together and saw Shoji doing those crazy things to me. Ahh….Mark is fixing us dinner….care to join us, Shoji???, Sayaka said blankly and her head facing the ground. Um….yup yeah, we will join you soon…we are just checking on the production room, it brings old memories back.  I didn’t know if Sayaka really saw us since the area was a bit dark, but I know with the sound of her voice she definitely saw something out of the ordinary. When Shoji released my hands, I slapped him hard on the face and didn’t speak to him, I walked past him while I button my shirt, I hated him now. Fixing my hair as if a guilty cat, I joined Sayaka and Mark who was smiling at me while heating the porridge he made at home. F*ck you Shoji!!! Sayaka with looks that could kill, said, murmuring  at him when he came back all smiley and as if won a lottery, sitting close to her. I, on the other hand, was, still, surprised how Shoji acted and it bothered me, because even if he was sadistic, it felt exciting and tingly inside. Haaa, what am I thinking? Shoji, grrrr!!, what have you done to me? But this is just an infatuation and he is a friend. Anyway, Mark is who I love and ……I suddenly went out of my day dreaming when Sayaka  hesterically shouted …aahhhhh, the storm is coming…I saw the water gushing out of the sewer, Shoji… I saw Shoji is frozen and I think he is panicking now. Mark then grabbed Sayaka and I toward a room wherelarge machines are kept. You’ll be safe here, Mark said and kissed my forehead.

Mark and Shoji looked for a way to escape the waters. But the factory is flooded now and the only way to get out of here  is to swim across  and get to safety. Mark had a plan and he wanted Shoji to protect Sayaka and Belle out of the factory. Since Mark is strong he carried the log out of the way and pushed it out of the flooded factory. Shoji, Sayaka and I were on top of the log like a boat and Mark paddled in and out to support it. The water was so strong that it pulled and pushed us to and fro like we were in a water fall. I was looking at Mark while he is saving us from this crazy situation, all the while I was so caught up in the moment and lost track of time, we were at the lake and Mark is nowhere to be found.

Sayaka was crying and Shoji was in total shock. Ojichan picked us up and sent us to the nearby hospital, I was so exhausted that I fell asleep crying, worrying about Mark. I know he is an angel but can he survive this even if. Shoji gave me a sad and worried look, while I still can’t forgive him for what he did in the factory. Sayaka gave me a hug and said that I am lucky to have Mark in my life. She mentioned something about Mark (when he went out of that side of the area where Shoji and I were and when Sayaka asked where he was going, he said, somewhere and he was really mad) when Shoji was taking advantage of me. Oh no! Mark saw everything, so he thought….he thought, No, no!!! Mark…I shouted in my head and cried so hard, Mama and Shita wasn’t able to contain me. Mama fetched for the doctor who gave me a doze of reliever medicine for the pain since I had a wound causing a splitting head ache, but not as painful as missing and losing Mark.

In heaven. Mark came through and as if in a dream, he breathed so deep like he was drowning and then was saved from the waters and lifted up to live. He felt like waking up from a bad dream with his wings a little broken and his suit changed to being the Chief of the Army Angels. My body seemed to have been used to the pain like in battles we fight against the dark forces on earth but not the pain I felt when I saw that Shoji doing the things I did with Belle. It ripped through my heart and I think until now I still can’t breathe well. I didn’t understand why Belle would do that to me. I want to hate Belle but I couldn’t, I love her, I am truly in love with her. Noriel came in to etch him, since The Lord Almighty  is asking from him and his reports on Earth. But seeing Mortha sadly occupied, he wanted to leave and almost closing the door.

Noriel, hi, it’s been a long time since I saw you, thank you for checking up on me. Yes, what can I do for you? Mortha added smiling now.

Ah, well, Sir, Our Lord is asking if you can report what you have found out on Earth and I saw you are still resting so I wanted to leave you in peace for now, Noriel said comforting him.

Yes, I’ll be in right in a minute. I am just thinking about….Mortha hasn’t finished talking when Noriel interrupted.

When you fell for a girl named Belle!!! Noriel added with a tearful grin looking at Mortha confidently.

How did you….Mortha asked but suddenly realized that they are all angels here and can even read each other’s minds what more a human’s thought, feeling and desire.

Hmm…you caught me there. I just don’t understand the feeling anymore. I thought that love is just love and I guess it’s more complicated than what meets the eye, hmm!!! Mortha added, patting Noriel’s head when he moved closer and like admiring someone’s battle scars. Noriel is still a teen ager and Mortha is his idol.

Boss, Sir! You know if you love this Belle, why not, go back and tell her. Maybe you can spend your days with her. Why not, right? Noriel  whispered when Guard Angels came walking pass Mortha’s room.

How can I? I’m the Head of the Army angels, who will man the brigade, you? Hehe!!!, I added jokingly but Noriel is determined.

Why not? Your general now is Bedoin and he is doing well with his position. I am young but I can do a lot of things with my wit, wisdom  and charm, Noriel added proudly.

Besides you trained me well like Bedoin, so we are the pride of the heavens now, Noriel added tapping Mortha’s shoulder. Do what you have to do and we’ll do ours from here.

At the Courts of Heaven. Lord God is so happy to see me and he is  glad that I saved many with the time I spent helping souls and people on Earth.

I told him about the pains, the changes that the world experienced. The reasons why many forget to pray or call his name and  how the world revolves without him on the picture. And well,I guess I still feel the hurt of what Belle and Shoji did, I am in remorse now. But God saw it, of course he is the all- knowing King, how can I hide my feelings from him.

Mortha, or Mark, I know you have been in a lot of pain lately and been loving, supporting the people I gave you on Earth, so I will send you back and learn more from them. This time, I won’t let you return until you found what your heart desires  most.

What…My Lord and Greatness, How and why???? I want to stay and serve you Master…Mortha added pleading for mercy since he really doesn’t want to go back and feel the pain Belle caused him.

No Mortha, you are to return to Earth and you will never come back until you have found the one that makes your heart come alive. Just like what I have experienced. I love them all why I gave my life to save them. But you have a mission to fulfil to one girl named Belle, am I right? Jesus said smiling at me.

I…Am unworthy Lord, but if that is your wish, then I will follow, Mortha said very much confused and after giving his respects he walked out of the courts and hisheart is still covered with jealousy and ….HURT!!! I never realized how painful a heart ache is, much more a broken heart. Now I do, more than I could ever imagine and I hate it.

GOD THE FATHER: What do you think of Mortha? Will he make it?

JESUS smiling at God the Father and Mama Mary: I know he would, he is strong, kind and compassionate. He’ll be able to forgive and love again. I just worry he won’t be back with us for a very long time. Thank you Mother for the advise.

VIRGIN MARY timidly smiling: Hmm!