Chapter 1

Right now, everyone in the room are so shock to hear what GeGe ask
Kotoko about when is her last period! Kotoko is suprise & her mind is
completely blank. She is trying her best to recall when is her last
period. Naoki has lost his patient,

Naoki:  Kotoko, can you still recall when is your last period?
Kotoko: My... ...My last period was last 2 months.
Mama:   Gege, is Kotoko expecting!(She ask anxiously)
Naoki:	I'm only suspect that Kototko is pregnant but I could not
confirm
        right now until she goes for a full check up!
Papa:	Naoki, you better bring Kotoko for a full check up right now
&	   call us back to confirm.
Mama:	Yes, Kotoko get change right now & we will be waiting for you
in	  the living room!
Kotoko: Alright, Mama. I'll get change right now.

She ask everybody to leave the room as Kotoko is going to change.
Everyone are waiting for Kotoko in the living room. Mama, Papa &
Fathere Sai are anxious to know the answer & pacing around in front
of Naoki & Yuki who are sitting on the sofa Naoki & Yuki are getting
irritated by their behaviour,

Naoki: Stop pacing around in front of me! Could you all take a seat
first?
Mama:  What's wrong with it! We are anxious to know is Kotoko
expecting?
Naoki: I can understand the feelings of the three of you. But no use
of
       pacing around in front of me.
Sai:   Naoki is right. We better take a seat first & there's no use
to be
       anxious right now as there's a doubt of Kotoko expecting.

Mama is angry with what Naoki has just said. At the same time, Papa
is trying to calm Mama down. Kotoko has arrive in the living room
just in time. When they are about to leave,

Mama: Remember to call us back once it is confirm. (she said
anxiously)
Papa: Mama, Naoki will know what to do & don't worry, okay!

When they have arrive to hospital, everyone are surprise to see them
again. Miki & Marina are happen to see both of them when they are on
their way for their lunch,

Miki:	Kotoko, why are here again & what's the matter with you? I'm
so
	worried about you when I heard that you suddenly fainted
during
        work?
Marina: Kotoko, are you feeling better now. I can see that your face
still
        look pale. I think you should take more rest at home.
Kotoko: I'm fine & thank you for your concern. I'm sorry to let the
both of
	you worrying about me. (She feel very touch by the both of
them
        for their concern).
Naoki:  Kotoko, we better get going to the Womens' Specialist.
Miki/Marina: WHAT! Kotoko, are you pregnant! Congratulations to both
of
             you becoming parents soon. (They feel happy for them)
Naoki:	Thank you & right now I could not confirm that Kotoko is
pregnant
        till we see the report.
Miki:	That's okay, better get going right now & once you get the
report,
        please inform us.
Naoki:  I will & we'll go off first.

After they say goodbye, they go to the Womens' Specialist. They have
been waiting for 1 hour & soon they hear the nurse calling 'Irie
Kotoko'. Dr Takashi is surprise to see Naoki & Kotoko when they enter
his room.

Dr Takashi: Hello Dr Irie & Mrs Irie, surprise to see both of you
here.
            What's bring both of you here today? (He smile gently).
Naoki:	    Actually, Kotoko had fainted in the hospital this morning
& I've	      just found out that Kotoko had missed her period for
the past 2
            months. I'm suspecting that she's pregnant.
Dr Takashi: I see! Mrs Irie, how do you feel right now?
Kotoko:     I'm feeling better after I wake up & now I feel that I do
not
            have any appetite.

Dr Takashi do a full check up on Kotoko & confirm that Kotoko is
pregnant while Naoki is sitting outside waiting. After the check-up,

Dr Takashi: Well, there is nothing wrong with Mrs Irie.
Congratulations
            to you Dr Irie & Mrs Irie, both of you are going to be
	    parents soon. I'll prescribe some medicine for her & she
has to
	    take more rest from now onwards. Next week, please bring
Mrs
            Irie for a routine check-up again.
Kotoko:     Dr Takashi, will you know what is the sex of the baby now!
	    (She cried happily when she hear that she is pregnant).
Dr Takashi: Mrs Irie, you must wait till you are in the weeks 24. From
            there, we'll know is a baby boy or girl.
Naoki:	    Dr Takashi, thanks & I'll bring her for the routine
check-up
            next week.(He said with a respect smile)

After they left Dr Takashi's room, Kotoko go to the counter to
collect the medicine while Naoki making a call back home. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2

When they have reach home, once they open the door. Papa, Mama, Sai &
Yuki shouted: 'Congratulations' & they start to have small
celebration.
Everybody in the house are very happy,

Mama:	Kotoko, did doctor said is that a baby girl? (She said
happily)
Papa:   Yes! Kotoko, did the doctor said is that a baby boy!
Sai:    Kotoko, what did the doctor tell you?
Kotoko: Ummmm, heh heh... ... (Right now, her mind is completely
blank & did
        not know what to say)

Naoki see the situation & said behalf on Kotoko,

Naoki: Doctor did not say anything except he want Kotoko to take more
rest.
       We have to wait till the weeks 24 & we'll know whether is a
baby boy
       or a baby girl.
Mama:  Why must we wait so long to know! I want a baby granddaughter
no
       matter what! (she said in demand)
Naoki: No matter is a boy or a girl, that is still our child & your
       grandchild. How could you said that you want a baby
granddaughter,
       you are unreasonable? (Naoki shouted at Mama)
Mama:  What's wrong of I yearn for a granddaughter. You should know
that I
       always wanted to have a daughter & when you are young, I
always let
       you to dress like a girl! (Mama smile happily when she recall
       in the past)
Naoki: STOP! WHAT YOU HAVE SAID. I DON'T WISH TO RECALL THE PAST!

Everyone in the house try to cool both Mama & Naoki down as they are
going to have a big quarrel over the subject. Father Sai prepare the
dinner & prepare a special meal for Kotoko. After dinner, they start
busy thinking of babies name.

Mama:   Kotoko & Gege, please start to think of the baby's name now!
Kotoko: Mama, I'll leave the naming to Naoki as he is the father. He
have
        the right to chose the name.
Mama:   That's right! Gege, do you have any name in mind?
Naoki:	No! I think is too early to have a name for the baby. (He is
reading
        a book & very annoyed with Mama)
Mama:	Gege, how could you say that & you are going to be a father
soon.
        You should prepare everything in advance!
Papa:	Mama, don't be angry. Naoki will settle & don't worry for it.
We
        can also help them to think of a name for the baby.
Sai:    That's right! I agree with what Shigeki's has said.
Kotoko: Mama, you can help us to think of a name for the baby just in
case
	we can't get any better name for our child. (Just to aviod
quarrel
        between Naoki & Mama)

Naoki ignore them, go back to the bedroom & lie in the bed to
continue his reading. After a while, Kotoko return back to the
bedroom & lie beside Naoki. Naoki look at her & find that her
behaviour is strange,

Naoki:	Kotoko, what's wrong with you & you have been smiling after
we have
        reach home!
Kotoko: Naoki, we finally have our own child. To come to think of it,
I
	couldn't believe that I'm pregnant since that last incident
of false
        alarm pregnancy.
Naoki:	Kotoko, from now onwards you are a mother now. Be more
mature, don't
	do any silly actions & be careful during your pregnancy, can
you
        promise me?
Kotoko: Yes, I'll promise you. In the future, I'll listen to what you
said.
        (She hug Naoki & crying with happy tears)
Naoki: Silly girl, don't cry anymore & rest early. Tomorrow, I'll
help you
       to apply for the maternity leave start from tomorrow onwards.

On that very night, this is the first time which Kotoko never has the
feeling before. From the day, they moved into Irie's house, married
to Naoki & working in the same hospital with Naoki till now she is
pregnant.
This is the first time, Naoki looking at her with a passionate look
into her eyes. In the living room, Papa, Mama, Father Sai & Yuki
(Yuki is force by Mama) each of them must think of 10 names for the
baby.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3

Naoki has left the house early as he is working early shift. Naoki
arrive to hospital, he go straight to matron office to help Kotoko
apply for maternity leave & return to his room after settle
everything for Kotoko. During the lunchtime, Naoki is surprise to see
Miki, Marina, Funetsu, Tomoko & Keita. Actually,they are waiting for
him to have lunch together and eager to know is Kotoko pregnant.
Naoki suspect something must be wrong & decided to ask them,

Naoki:   Well, what is the matter with all of you?
Miki:    Dr Irie, is Kotoko pregnant?
Marina:  Dr Irie, What is the result? We are waiting to hear
anxiously!
Tomoko:  Please tell us, Dr Irie. We are very concern about Kotoko.
Funetsu: Yes, please tell us as you can see we are anxious to know the
         result!
Keita:	 Dr Irie, I don't think that you will keep this as a secret
for
	 yourself. We are waiting for your good news. (He has lost his
	 patient whenever he see Naoki)
Naoki:	 The fact is Kotoko is pregnant & from today onwards, she'll
be on
         maternity leave and she'll be resting at home.

Everybody are very happy to hear the news & congratulate him. Soon,
the news has spread to the whole hospital within 1 day. Whenever
Kotoko go to hospital for routine check-up, Naoki is always by her
side to accompany her. Whenever Kotoko finish her routine check-up,
either Mama or Yuki & Konomi will fetch her home. Zinko, Satomi & her
daughter (who is going to be 1 year old), Kinnosuke & Chris (rush
back from England when they heard Kotoko is pregnant) visit her on
the same day,

Zinko:  Kotoko, congratulation to you. When is the labour period?
Kotoko: Dr Takashi tell me that my labour period will be around in the
        middle of August.
Satomi: Kotoko, feel free to give me a call if you need anything.
After all,
        I'm a mother of one already. (She said happily)
Kotoko: Satomi, thank you. If I need anything, I'll give a call &
hope you
        will give me advice of how to take care of my child.
Chris:  Well! Kotoko, do you know is a baby boy or a baby girl?
Kotoko: I have no idea, I've to wait till weeks 24. From there, we
will be
        able to know whether is a baby boy or girl.
Chris:  So, which one do you preferred? A baby boy or girl?
Kotoko: Actually, I've no preferrence. I hope that our child will
grow in a
        healthy life.
Kinnosuke: If you give birth to a baby boy, hope he will not look like
 	   & behave like Naoki with arrogant & snobbish attitdue towards
	   others. If you give birth to a baby girl, that's a
different
	   story, will defineitly look like you & her behaviour like
you
           too. I will shower her with lots of love.
Chris:	Kinnosuke, are you crazy! That's Naoki & Kotoko child! Don't
you
        ever dare to think of shower your love to their child!
Kinnosuke: What's wrong with that idea! (He said in anger)
Chris:	This is none of your business & this is their child. YOU HAVE
NO
        RIGHTS TO SHOWER THE LOVE FOR THEIR CHILD!

Zinko, Satomi & Kotoko stop the both of them from quarrelling &
change other subject. When Kotoko carry Satomi's daughter, there is a
gentle smile on her face which never appear on her face before.
Everyone are so surprise to see the expression on Kotoko. Mama comes
in,

Mama:	Sorry to interrupte, Would all of you like to stay over for
dinner
        tonight?  Kotoko will be happy if all of you can stay.
Kotoko: Please don't turn down the offer as we hardly meet each other
since
        the graduation ceremony, Kinnosuke & Chris married in England.

After hearing this, everyone agree to stay over for dinner. During
dinner time, everybody are enjoying their meal except Kinnosuke stare
at Naoki while he is having his meal but Naoki ignore him & continue
to have his meal.

Kinnosuke: Naoki, as you should know now Kotoko is pregnant now.
Don't you
	   ever dare to neglect her. If I find out, I'll not let you
go.
Naoki: I'll never ever let you have a chance to catch my weak point &
I
       believe that you are not smart enough to tackle my weak point.
(Naoki
       said in an arrogant tone)
Kinnosuke: WHAT! are you looking down on me that I can't catch your
weak
           point! (He said in anger & nearly fight with Naoki)
Father Sai: STOP! Kinnosuke. That's enough & I believe Naoki will not
            neglect Kotoko as she need Naoki right now.
Mama: That's right. If Gege dare to neglect Kotoko, I'm the first
person to
      punish Gege.
Papa: Yes, Kinnosuke. I'll do the same thing as what Mama has said
just now.
Kinnosuke: Alright, since everybody is siding you. So I'll let this
matter
           off.
Naoki: Kinnosuke, I did not ask them to help me to put good words in
front
       of you. You are the one who start to quarrel first! (He stand
up &
       return to his room)
Kinnosuke: WHAT IS THAT ATTITUDE! HOPE THAT THE CHILD WILL NOT HAVE
THE SAME
           ATTITUDE WITH HIM! (He shouted loudly)

Everybody calm Kinnosuke down & except Yuki who is also can't
torlerate with Kinnosuke behaviour & return to his room to revise his
homework.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4

During maternity leave, Kotoko will spend her time reading some books
& will accompany Mama to go for shopping to buy Baby stuff &
maternity clothings. Whenever Satomi, Zinko or Chris are free, they
will visit Kotoko. Naoki will get back home as fast as he can because
he is still worry about Kotoko. As for Yuki & Konomi, their feelings
for each other are still the same. Soon, they are going to study in
the same University but as usual Konomi always get scolding from
Yuki. As time passes, Kotoko's stomach has grown bigger. In the
house, only Kototo, Mama & Yuki are in the living room. Yuki is
sitting on the sofa reading book, while Mama teach Kotoko how to
bathe the baby, how to use the baby stuff on the baby & what to do
during pregnancy,

Mama: Kotoko, you are a mum now. Today, I'm going to teach you how to
bathe
      a baby. First, pour in the hot water follow by the cold water.
Put
      your hand in to feel & must be sure the water is warm. After
that put
      the 'baby' (is a fake plastic baby doll)in the luke warm water &
      start to bathe the baby. So Kotoko demostrate one more time to
let me
      see.
Kotoko: Yes, Mama. (She is worry that she can't do it)

The phone ring, Mama go & pick up the call. So Kotoko start to pour a
lot of hot water in the tub & pour lesser cold water (She has
forgotten what Mama teach her just now). After everything is done,
she is going to put the 'baby' in the tub (She has forgotten the
important step which is to put her hand in & to feel is the luke warm
water ). Mama arrive just in time & she is happy to see Kotoko is
going to try of bathing the 'baby' by herself. So Mama also help her
to test is the water is warm & put her left hand in to feel. Mama
scream & her left hand get scald, Kotoko quickly bring Mama to the
bathroom & help her to apply medicine & as well as bandage her left
hand. Yuki see this incident,

Yuki: Mama, tonight who is going to do the cooking as your hand get
scald
      (Indirectly insult Kotoko)
Kotoko: I'll do the cooking tonight as my dad will be home late.(She
is
        feeling guilty & upset what she has done to Mama's hand)
Yuki: WHAT! You do the cooking tonight. The food which you cook are
horrible
      & I don't wish to eat what you have cook. I'm afraid I'll be
sick
      after eating. (Yuki is not happy)
Mama: Yuki! don't be rude to your Sister-in-law. She is trying to
help me to
      fix dinner as my left hand get scald. And don't worry, I'll be
in
      charge of seasoning & she will help me to do the cooking.
Yuki: Whatever you wish! (Yuki stand up & walk into his bedroom
unhappily)
Mama: Kotoko, just now Gege called & inform me to tell you that he
won't be
      back to have his dinner as he has an long hours of operation
this
      afternoon till the next morning.
Kotoko: Ok. Mama, I'll help you to fix dinner & so sorry to cause
your hand
        scald. (Her eyes full of tears)
Mama: It's alright, Kotoko. This is only minor injury, it's only take
a few
      days to heal. And I could not ask you to help me to do the house
      chores right now, as your stomach has grown bigger. Don't worry
about
      dinner, the most important thing that you need to do is take
more
      rest. I'll clear up evrything, when dinner is ready I'll call
you.
      (Mama give a gentle smile)
Kotoko: Mama... ... I'm sorry!(Kotoko hug Mama & crying for what she
have
	done to Mama. Mama did not scold Kotoko instead & try to
comfort
        her)
Mama: Don't cry anymore, Kotoko. I believe that you will do your best
to
      take good care of your child & be a good wife too.Listen to
Mama, take
      a rest upstairs.

Kotoko return to her bedroom & take a rest. Kotoko decide to do her
best whatever Mama teaches her. Everyday, What Mama have teach her.
She will do it serveral times till she remember the steps.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5

Finally the day has come, Naoki accompany Kotoko to go to hospital
for scanning. While waiting for their turn,

Kotoko: Naoki, I'm scare.
Naoki:	Why? It is just a normal scan to see is our baby is growing
healthy.
Kotoko: But! what if our baby is not a girl! Mama will be upset as she
        wanted to have a granddaughter (Said in a worried tone)
Naoki:	Don't worry, Kotoko. No matter is a boy or girl, is still our
child.
        (Naoki trying to calm Kotoko down)

They heard the nurse calling 'Irie Kotoko'. Both of them enter Dr
Takashi's room. Dr Takashi ask Kotoko to lie down on the bed & start
to do scanning, Naoki is standing right beside Kotoko. After finish
scanning,

Dr Takashi: Mrs Irie, your baby is growing very healthly (He said
with a
            smile)
Kotoko: Dr Takashi, do you know is a baby boy or girl? (Asking
anxiously)
Dr Takashi: Well, Mrs Irie. I can't confrim with you right now, as I
can't
	    see clearly is your child is a boy or a girl. But I can
tell you
            that 90% is a boy & 10% is a girl.
Naoki: Dr Takashi, do you know when is Kotoko's labour date?
Dr Takashi: Let me see (as he flip the calendar). Mrs Irie labour
date will
	    be around 16th - 22nd of August. Dr Irie, is there
anything else
            which you would like to know?
Naoki: Dr Takashi, thank you.

After they left Dr Takashi room, Naoki help Kotoko's to take
medicine. Kotoko ask him to return to his work place as there are a
lot of patients waiting for him. Kotoko tell him not to worry about
her, Mama will come & fetch her home. Naoki kiss her goodbye & return
to his work place. While waiting for Mama, she is surprise to see
Chris.

Kotoko: Chris, what are you doing here?
Chris:  I'm fetching you home, my dear Kotoko.
Kotoko: But Mama is fetching me home! I think you better go back &
help out
	Kinnosuke as the shop is newly open. There are definitely a
lot of
        customers during lunchtime.
Chris:	Don't worry. Your Mama phone me in the shop as she has to
attend
	some urgent matters, that's why I'm here to fetch you home.
We have
	hire a few helpers in the shop, so Kotoko don't worry so
much.(she
        smile happily)
Kotoko: Chris, I don't wish to go home right now. (Her expression is
unhappy)
Chris:	Alright, Kotoko. Where would you like to go or do you have
somewhere
	in your mind? (She is worried for Kotoko & could tell that
she look
        troubled)
Kotoko: I would like to go to Ice-cream cafe.
Chris:  Alright, we'll go to Ice-cream cafe then.

Chris drive Kotoko to Ice-cream cafe. After they have order,

Chris:	Kotoko, are you alright? Your face look pale, do you wish to
go home
        & take a rest! (Chris said gently with concern)
Kotoko: I'm fine, Chris. Thanks for your concren but I don't know how
to put
        in. (She almost cry out)
Chris:  Kotoko, What did Dr Takashi tell you?
Kotoko: After the scanning, Dr Takashi tell both of us that right
now, he
	could not confirm with us is our child is a boy or a girl as
he
	can't see clearly during the scan. He tell us that 90% is a
boy and
	10% is a girl. I don't know how to face my mother-in-law as
she has
	put all the hope on me. As you know, she yearn for a
granddaughter.
Chris:	Kotoko, Don't worry so much & it is not good for your health
as you
        are going to give birth soon.
Kotoko: Chris, I'll know what to do & thanks for giving me a treat.
Chris:	Don't mention, it's just a small treat. I wish to see you
happy
        during pregnancy. And we are best friends isn't it.

They left the Ice-cream cafe & they go for shopping. In the evening
time, Chris drive Kotoko home. During dinner time, Kotoko did not
join them for dinner,

Naoki: Where is Kotoko & that's strange, whenever dinner is ready
she's
       always very puntucal to sit in the dinning room & start
eating. Does
       anybody have idea why she is not joining us for dinner?
Yuki:  No idea. When she is back home, she seems troubled. Then she
proceed
       to her bedroom till now.
Mama:  Gege, did you bully Kotoko again! I ask her what's wrong & she
refuse
       to tell me . But I've bring the food up for her.
Papa:  Naoki, I think after you had your dinner, try to find out
what's the
       reason. We are worry for her & the baby.
Naoki: Alright. I'll talk to Kotoko after dinner.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 6

As Naoki open the bedroom door, he see Kotoko is standing at the
balcony watching the stars. Naoki walk towards Kotoko & hug her from
behind,

Naoki:  Kotoko, what are you thinking about?
Kotoko: Naoki, what if our child is not a girl? Mama will be upset.
Naoki:	Because of this matter, that's why you seems troubled.
Kotoko, let it
	be nature course. A few months later, you are going to give
birth.
        (he tried his best to comfort Kotoko)
Kotoko: Naoki, I'll promise you that I'll let myself to relax & be
happy.
Naoki: Kotoko, if you are still worry. I suggest that in the future
when you
       go for scannning, I'll tell Dr Takashi help you to do full
routine
       check-up only. At the same time, I'll explain to Mama.
Kotoko: Naoki, I love you & thanks for everything you have given to
me. I
	feel that I'm the most fortunate wife & daughter-in-law in
the world
        as I've a most understanding husband & family.
Naoki: Silly girl. (Naoki give her a good night kiss & carry her to
bed)

Yuki & Konomi examinations are coming up next week on the 1st week of
May. Everyday, Konomi will come to Irie's house to ask Yuki to give
her tuition. Even though, they are in different high school but
Konomi still wish to be with Yuki again in the University for the
next 4 years. Kotoko is sitting at the living room watching V8
(that's was being recorded by either Mama or Fathere Sai) which were
their last Sport day in their high school, went for holiday together,
the University champion, their Wedding ceremony etc... ...
Just then, Yuki & Konomi come back home after school as Yuki is
giving tuition for Konomi,

Konomi: Kotoko sensei, how are you? Wow! your stomach has grown
bigger which
        I last saw you for the past 4 months.
Kotoko: Yes, Konomi. My stomach is getting bigger each day. I have to
walk
        carefully when going up & down the stairs nowadays.
Konomi: Kotoko Sensei, do you know is a baby boy or girl?
Kotoko: I did not do the scanning anymore as Naoki wish to let it be
nature
        course.But no matter is a baby boy or girl, we'll still love &
        protect our child.

Yuki see Konomi is chatting with Kotoko in the living room.He walk to
the living room & join them. When Konomi see Yuki, 

Konomi: Yuki, I'm sorry. Let's start tuition right now.
Yuki:	It's alright, Konomi. I would also like to take a break for a
while.
        (He is making an excuse for himself)
Konomi: Kotoko sensei, I heard from Yuki that your labour date is
around
	16th -22nd August. Do you afraid as the due date is coming
soon?
Kotoko: Of course I'm not afraid. Naoki will be by my side. (She smile
         happily)
Yuki: Are you sure & confident that Gege will be by your side? (He is
      reading a book)
Kotoko: Yes, I'm very sure! (She said in confident)
Konomi: By the way, Yuki & I just now went to the temple to pray for
you &
        your baby. This is the Labour charm, hope it will be useful.
Kotoko: Thank you Konomi & Yuki.
Yuki: Kotoko, don't get the wrong idea. It's Konomi who is the one to
drag
      me to the temple. The labour charm, she buy it for you & your
baby.
      (He suddenly jump up from the chair & his face turns red)
Konomi: Yuki! when we are at the temple, you .... .....

Yuki immediately ask Konomi to start the tuition before she is going
to say out the truth to Kotoko. But Kotoko knows that in the surface,
Yuki is nasty to her but in the bottom of his heart, he really cares
for her.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------


PS: Please give me your precious comments after reading this Fan
Fictions
    story.
    My e-mails address: samanthakoh@pacific.net.sg

    A Million Thanks,

    Samantha