Category : Books-Fiction

Sub Category : Romance

   You never know when someone will unexpectedly pop into you life. For me that was just the case. I was just minding my own business walking to work. Then a big thump from behind and everything went black. When I woke up in the hospital the doctor's explained that I had a minor concussion and a large bruise on my back. 
   Before I get ahead of my self let me explain a few things. My name is Joseph and I just turned 21. I was born in America but my family moved to Japan before I could remember anything. My parents died when I was young and I was adopted by my loving foster family. Most important of all I'm prone to injury and misfortune.
   Back to the hospital. I asked the doctor's how I came to black out. Confused they stated that they were waiting for me to wake up to find out. All they knew was that a girl had dropped me off at the front of the hospital and ran off before she could be identified.
 When I finally got released I started walking to the bakery. My family owns it and it's also where I work. I'm sure everyone is worried about me. I ended up being 4hrs late.
   After work I decided to head back home. While I was walking I had a strange feeling I was being watched. My head gave a little throb and I just wrote it off to the concussion. The doctor's said I should avoid alcohol but I can make my own decisions. I bought a six pack before making it home.
   I walked in and cracked a beer. I finished it as I readied a bath. I soaked in the warm water and finished my beers to forget about life for awhile. Imagine my shock when I open my room and a girl is sitting on my bed.
   She looked different then most Japanese women. Her hair was black. Except for where the light hit it, hints of red shown through. Her eyes were almost a crimson color. She had on a black dress, though modest you could tell she had an athletic body. Her eyes seemed dead until they met mine where they sparkled. I had no words.
  It was silent for only a minute but it felt like a life time. She finally broke the silence.
  "Sorry about your head" she said worry in her voice. 
   Just like that dots connected for me. She knocked me out some how. She brought me to the hospital. Now she is sitting on my bed. Questions welled up in my mind. Before my lips could form words I was falling down. There was no thump this time just two soft arms catching me as I passed out.
   This time I woke to crimson eyes staring into mine. I was oddly calm even though this was a stranger in my house.
   "What's your name" I asked. My head was throbbing. I had to learn to listen to doctors.
   "I don't have one" she answered some time later a pained expression on her face.
   "How do you not have a name" I replied.
   At this point she she tells me she has no memories of who she was or used to be. About a year ago she had woken up on an operating table surrounded by weird medical instruments. She was dazed confused and had no memories of her past life. Some men walked in and tried to restrain her. Though she knew nothing she was strong and her reflexes were high. She escaped and has been chased ever sense.
   She then continued to explain she had been chased today when she spotted me. Running along rooftops she had seen me on the street and something of a memory flashed into her mind. She lost her footing and fell on me from a four story building. At that point she didn't know what to do so she carried me to the closest hospital. Once she avoided her pursuers she found me and followed me home.
   It's was a lot for me to take in. It was also hard to believe but I felt as if I could trust her. Those eyes of hers held lot of pain but I didn't sense deceit. I wanted to do something anything.
   "Akako" I said with out thinking.
   She looked at me confused. I took a second to clear my head.
   "You said you didn't know your name. I was thinking Akiko" I said, basically calling her autumn. I've never been great with words but her eyes speak to me. They're familiar yet hide a lot of mystery. Akiko just seemed right sense she reminded me of the red autumn leaves.
   I didn't expect the smile and the nod of her head. Then a slight look of embarrassment appeared on her face.
   "What's your name" she asked. She had gone on with her story and had never asked. I'm a little ashamed that I didn't introduce myself properly before now.
   "Joseph, it's nice to meet you Akiko" I said.
   I heard a low grumble coming from her direction. Her face grew red and she held her stomach avoiding eye contact. I stood almost too quickly and got slightly light headed. Without a word I went to the kitchen and opened the fridge. Looking at the fridge I wonder how I ever stayed in such good shape. It's filled with left over cakes and deserts that didn't sell at the bakery. I cut a slice of angle food cake and poured a glass of milk. Akiko was staring at her hand when I walked back in.
   "Here" I said, handing the plate to her
   " I can't take that from you. Especially after all the trouble I've caused you." she said, even though she was staring intently at it.
   "What kind of host would I be if I didn't feed a hungry guest?" I asked still holding the plate out.
   Without a second thought she grabbed the plate, yet hesitated to take the first bite.
   "Is something wrong?" I asked
   "I've never had something this pretty before. It almost feels wrong to eat it." she said
   "It's alright go ahead there is plenty more. I make them for a living." I said.
   I also thought what kind of things she has ate and how much. She seemed athletic but she was also very thin. Always being on the run doesn't give one much time to eat. I felt sorry for her, but more then that I felt like I wanted to help her.
   Akiko took her first bite and she smiled as she chewed. As she swallowed the first bite a memory flashed back to her. She was sharing a piece of cake with a much younger looking version of Joseph. She herself was much younger at the time as well. They took turns feeding each other pieces of the cake. However at that time I was unable to remember.
   I had left the room and returned with my own piece. By that time Akiko had finished half of her own. I sat in a chair next to my desk and we ate in silence. Once finished I took care of the plates and called to Akiko.
   "Do you have anywhere to stay?" I asked, as I washed the plates.
   She came into the kitchen and watched as I washed the dishes.
   "No" she said with a long silence
   " I move around a lot so I've never had a home" she finally continued.
   "Well it's settled then, you can stay here for awhile. I have an extra futon I can sleep on in the living room. Unless you don't want to of course." I said.
   I've never been good with emotions to I turned to her and smiled as a type of reassurance.
   "Are you a pervert?" Akiko asked cautiously
   "What! No of course not!" I said shocked.
  "Aren't you the one who broke into my house? I'm just offering you a place to stay." I said in a calm tone
   Akiko looked slightly embarrassed are I said it.
   "It's okay if you don't want to stay here I can help you find somewhere to stay" I said sincerely.
  "I'll stay" Akiko said in a hushed tone.
   For an entire year all Akiko had know was running and fear. This kind of interaction was rare for her so I see why she was sceptical. I don't know the reason but at that moment I made a promise to help her.
   Few words were said between the time she agreed to stay and bed. I lost my room for awhile but I don't mind. The thought that she can sleep in a warm safe environment put me at ease. My last thoughts before falling asleep were of her eyes.
   I had a dream that night. It was more like a memory then anything. It was before my parents had died. We were driving for hours outside of the city. I didn't know the destination but I remember the scenery being beautiful. The cherry blossoms were at full bloom and the wind was carrying the petals. It was almost as if it was snowing pink. A large facility was coming up in the distance. As we pulled up to the gate my alarm woke me up.
   I sat up and tried to remember more but drew a blank. I went into the kitchen to start breakfast. I pulled out some eggs and bread. As I placed them on the counter a piece of paper fell to the floor. It was a note from Akiko.
   The note said, Thank you for the food and a place to sleep. You are the kindest person I can remember. I can't stay here though. Every minute I stay in one place is a minute closer to them finding me. Sense you were so kind I can't put you in anymore danger. I'm sorry I didn't tell you face to face but you seem like the type of person to stop me. Yours truly Akiko. P.S. sorry again I took the rest of the cake.
   I ran into my bedroom to find the window open and Akiko was gone. Honestly I was hurt but I wasn't going to let this make me give up. I called my foster mom and said my head was acting up. Without a second thought she told me to stay home. I felt bad for lying but I had to search for Akiko.
   I threw on my jogging gear and headed out. I've always been a natural athlete and I don't think I have ever been winded in my life. As I rounded the first corner I lost my footing and fell. I had a few scrapes on my hand but other then that I seemed alright. I took off searching alleys and rooftops. It's hard finding someone you barely know by yourself.
   Half the day has gone by and I started to break a sweat. I didn't want to stop but my body needed to refuel. I stopped into a corner store and picked up some drinks. I ended up walking to a near by park to drink them. Physically I could keep searching but my mind was starting to waver. I kept asking myself what happens if I never find her. Will she always be running for the rest of her life? I shook the thought out of my head as I finished my last drink. I will find her no matter what. As I stood and prepared to begin my search I heard an explosion a couple blocks away. I've never been one to run towards danger but I couldn't stop myself this time. I took off in a dead sprint and made it to the source in moments.
   There she was running along rooftops fire coming out of a build down the block. It was an abandoned area of the city so there were very few people around. I saw her pursuers this time. They were big men wearing black suits and they carried what looked like handguns. I watched as they fired shots and noticed they were shooting darts. They were trying to bring her in alive.
   I sprinted ahead and climbed to the roof of another building. I came up behind the pursuers. I've never fought someone in my life. I sprinted forward towards the last man and shoved him into a wall. He was barely fazed but his attention was now on me. His eyes were dark and filled with anger. Once his saw mine he showed hints of recognition but that didn't stop his right fist plowing into my ribs. Surprisingly enough it didn't hurt all that much. Reflexively I countered with my own right. I was aiming for his gut but he dodged and I hit his left arm. I heard a cracking noise and the man let out a groan. At this point he seemed desperate and reached for his gun but before he managed I kicked him against the wall and he fell unconscious. I've never felt power like this in me before. I cleared my head and saw two men still pursuing Akiko. I had to stop them no matter the cost.