Chapter 1
A/N: Well here's a new story for all you wonderful people. Still working out the kinks but I have it mostly planned out. The first section of this chapter is intro (kind of) but you don't want to miss it because it helps set the story and setting. Kinda boring at first but later on in this chapter, things get real :P
Oh and this is for which is basically a website that encourages you to write a 50k word story in the month of November. (You should check it out its pretty cool) So I will absolutely not abandon this for a while.. heh.
Enjoy!
-
"See you."
Those were the last words my best friend, Kyle Hemmings, said to me as I left for Japan.
It's not like I want to go. Okay, let me rephrase that.. I don't want to go at all. But when your dad works as a military sergeant and there are open seas ready to be splashed into, there's not much of an option to skip, even if it means leaving everything you've ever known behind.
So if you've guessed, I'm not from Japan, but I do speak Japanese because my step mom is from there. Actually, I'm from the opposite of Japan: Michigan, USA.
What do I love? Water. You might be thinking, there's no "open seas" in Michigan, and you're absolutely right. The closest thing is Lake Michigan, one of the United States' Great Lakes. Japan's salty waters were the only motivation for me to go.
Anyways, here I am, on a 23 hour flight to Japan.
Ready to start a new life? As if.
I mean, I'm going to be lost there. I have blonde hair and green eyes. I'm not tall, but I'm not short either. Plus I have a foreigner name: Violet Jennings.
My solution? .. I'll sleep it off.
18 hours later:
"VIOLET WAKE UP. WE'RE HERE." My older brother, Jason Jennings (JJ haha), yelled. He was only a year and two months older than me, so a 12th grader back in the States. In Japanese terms, he's a 3rd year in high school.
"Mmmm.." My eyes fluttered open. The smell of airplane wafted into my nose and the chilly air conditioning breezed by. All the other passengers were outside.
"Airplane doors closing in two minutes." the announcer said.
I quickly gathered my things and sped off towards the exit where my brother was already waiting.
"Ready?" He asked, as we descended down the plane's stairs. He smiled his signature white grin. His short blonde hair blew with the wind.
I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath. "Ready when you are." I replied. And we took our first step onto Japan.
-
"Hand me the yellow suitcase." My step mom, Kim Jennings, ordered.
"Here." I said shortly.
The weather was raging, with cold winds flying everywhere, and large raindrops falling to the ground.
We were at our new house, a kind of traditional Japanese house because dad wanted "to blend in with their culture". Okay, so fine. I wasn't too picky about houses anyways.
Next I grabbed my own things. An ocean blue medium sized suit case and a neon green duffel bag.
"Which one is my room?" I asked my dad.
"Uh.." He muttered as he flipped through his clipboard of papers.
"Dad. Dadddd. DAD." I tried to call for his attention.
He slowly looked up from his papers. "Were you talking to me?" He asked honestly.
"Uh, yeah, I was." I rolled my eyes. "Which is my room?"
"Pick whichever one you want but the master bedroom is mine." He says, going back to his paperwork.
I nodded and hauled my things inside. The house wasn't much. It wasn't small, but it wasn't as big as our old house. The walls were made of wood, and so were the floors. There were paintings all over the place. There was no couch, or actually, any furniture at all.
I trudged along and came across a flight of stairs. As I went up, the sound of my suitcase banging on the wooden stairs echoed throughout the house. When I finally reached the top, there were four rooms.
The first one I came across was small, so I went to the second one. It was slightly bigger. Curious, I slid the screen door of the third room open. It was the master bedroom. And it was huge. I sighed, knowing the room was already taken.
The fourth room was huge too.. and taken. My brother was in there.
"REALLY." I huffed.
"Sorry little sis, this room is mine." He smirked.
I headed back to the second room.
I put my stuff down. The window was open and letting rain in. I walked towards it to close but then I saw someone.
He was shirtless and wearing black and purple swimming trunks. What was he doing out in the cold? He turned around and I swear he was looking straight at me, but I had already closed the window and the glare should have made it impossible to see me. He had crystal clear blue eyes that were really pretty and- wait what am I thinking? I shouldn't be fantasizing about my neighbors..
I shrugged it off. My room was completely empty. There wasn't even a bed. I checked my iPhone and noticed that it was almost dinner time already.
I headed downstairs. "Mom!" I called. She may be my step mom, but she's still family and a better mom than my real mom will ever be.
"Yes?" Came her reply.
"What's for dinner?" I asked, feeling hungry.
"Oh! Dinner! I forgot! Can you run to the convenience store? There should be one about 15 blocks from here."
"15 BLOCKS?" I yelled. 15 blocks wasn't much, but I was really tired from the trip and jet lag was starting to get to me.
"Sorry honey! But you can use the new skateboard we got you." She smiles.
I rolled my eyes again. I went back upstairs and unzipped my duffel bag. There was my skateboard, waiting for me. It was blue, with black stripes. Ripping off the plastic protecting it, I ran downstairs.
"Here's some money." she said as she handed me a crisp bill.
"10,000?" I asked, surprised.
"Oh yeah, one United States dollar is about 110 Japanese yen." She says.
"Oh.. but that's about 100 U.S. dollars still." I said, doing the math in my head.
"Sorry but that's all I have. We still need to go to the bank to exchange the money but that's all the airport had today." She explained.
"alright.." I say. I pocket the money with my phone and place my skateboard on the ground. I start riding off. 15 blocks to go.
In a way, I enjoyed going. I saw part of the town and kind of saw what this place was about.
I finally reached the convenience store and grabbed instant noodles from the shelves. I pulled off two packs of mint gum from the candy section and four bottles of instant tea, perfect for a rainy day.
I went over the the cashier and dropped all the items onto the counter.
The cashier looked at me funny.
Was I buying too much? Was there a limit to how much you could buy here?
"Is something wrong?" I asked in Japanese. I was fluent, but I knew I had an accent.
The cashier's eyes widened and he said," No! O-of course not. Sorry!"
I smiled. "It's okay." It must have been because I didn't look like I spoke Japanese and was a foreigner.
He blushed slightly and continued to scan my items. Only then did I notice he was around my age. He had glasses and black hair. His eyes were blue-ish purple-ish.
"That'll be 1,342 yen." He said.
I handed him the 10,000.
His eyes widened again. This time I guessed it was because of the large amount of money.
"It's because we've just come from the airport. Sorry." I said, making an excuse and hoping he would accept such a large amount.
"Oh. I see. That's okay this time." He opened the cash register and got my change.
"Thanks!" I called out behind me as I was near the door with all my stuff.
"Come again!" He called back.
I reached for the door handle just as it magically swung open by itself. The next thing I knew, a huge body was in my face.
"Agh! Sorry!" I quickly backed out of the door way. I had bumped into someone. A guy with green eyes and light brown hair emerged.
"No, it's my fault." He replied, scratching the back of his head and grinning goofily.
"Wow Makoto-senpai." The cash register guy said.
"Sorry." he apologized to me again.
"It's fine." I said, leaving.
On the way back, more people were outside, and most looked at me funny.
Did they not ride skateboards here?
When I got home, no one was there.
"Hello?" I called out.
No reply.
"Hello?" I said, louder.
Soon I started getting panicked.
I dropped the food on the kitchen counter and then noticed a note stuck onto the cabinet.
"Realized our furniture was left at the airport. Hopefully not lost during transit in Hong Kong. Be back at around 10 or later." was all it said.
Great. This isn't creepy at all. Alone at a new house in Japan.
I realized that I was still hungry so I grabbed the noodles and searched the cupboards for a pot. Luckily I found one. It was small and dented, but still usable. I rinsed it and filled it with tap water. Then I placed it on the stove.
After it finished cooking, I ate, and then cleaned up, I went back to my room. It was seven o'clock.
There wasn't much for me to do, but I unzipped my suitcase and tried to unpack. But, with no drawer or cabinet to put my clothes in, there wasn't much I could do.
I decided I would go to sleep early. But.. I didn't have a bed. Or a blanket. Or a pillow.
I sighed. I tried texting my parents but they didn't reply. So in the end, I didn't what any normal person would do: I asked my neighbors.
Normally, I wouldn't do this. But since I didn't have anything to do, I was kinda desperate. And sleeping on the ground was definitely not something I wanted to do.
I put on my raincoat and went outside. The air still smelled like rain.
I knocked on the door of the house of the left of our house. No answer. Not wanting to go too far from our own house, I decided to go to the house on the right of our own house.
"Hello?" I called out.
No answer.
I knocked. A few seconds passed.
"Hello?" I called out again.
More seconds passed. No answer. My frustration started to build.
More moments flew through.
"HELLO?" I said, my blood boiling.
"WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY? AGHHH!" I yelled in complete frustration.
If I didn't like Japan at all before, now I really hated it.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
A pair of blue eyes met mine.
"Can I help you?" He said in Japanese. He looked around my age.
I blushed, realizing he had heard my mini tantrum.
"U-Uh.." I stumbled through my words," Do you have an extra mattress for sleeping on? Like I normally wouldn't do this but my parents haven't gotten our furniture yet so.." I flashed a cheesy smile.
"Who are you again?" The door was now fully open and I recognized him. He was the guy who was shirtless and walking through the rain. This time I got a closer look at him and noticed he had black hair and a cold stare, giving off an unsociable aura.
After a brief pause, I blurted out, "Oh! Right. Sorry! I'm Violet Jennings, your new neighbor."
"Okay." He said bluntly. Was he not going to introduce himself?
"S-so.. about that mattress.." I trailed.
"Come in." He slid the screen door open.
Immediately my brain told me to be careful.
I cautiously stepped inside, slipping off my shoes before entering. I think I remember Mom telling me that it was for respect.
He silently walked through the front hall and then slid the screen door of the second room to the right.
I followed. The room was empty.
"I don't have a mattress but I have a mat." He said.
"A mat?" Suddenly I remembered. In these countryside areas, people slept on mats. Some used mattresses but it was more of a city thing.
"Oh wait, sure. I don't mind." I said.
He rolled up a mat he got out of the closet.
"Sure you don't need it?" I asked.
"I don't need it." He said. He barely said anything and for some reason, I got the feeling that he didn't like me much.
He started to roll up the mat and then handed it to me.
"Should I thank your parents?" Just as the words escaped my lips, I realized that I hadn't seen anyone else but him here.
"They aren't here." Was his reply.
"Oh.. Out of town?" I bit my tongue. I shouldn't have been so nosy.
"No." He didn't say anything else.
By now we were at the front door.
"Okay, I owe you one!" I smiled awkwardly, as I slipped on my shoes.
He slid the front door open but didn't say anything.
"Uh, well, bye!" I say nervously. I walk out and then turn around remembering mom saying something about the need to bow to show respect and/or your thanks to a person.
Just as I'm about to, he slams the screen door shut.
Definitely liking our new neighbors.
I dragged the mat back home. After a closer look, I realized that it was made of rows of wood. Tatami? I think that's what it's called. Would it be comfortable?
But, I had bigger problems needing to be dealt with.
-
"Ready for your first day?" Mom asked as she handed me a bowl of miso soup.
"Just to get used to the food here." She winked.
"Please Mom, I know what miso soup is and what it tastes like." I said with a laugh.
"I know, I know. But your dad wants to make sure you fit in here, especially because of his job. Can you believe all those government officials? I mean, I'm glad they paid for us to come here and everything, but couldn't they have gotten you into a better school?" She complains.
"Mom, you're ranting again. I'm sure the school is fine."
"Well, gotta be thankful for a daughter like you."
I awkwardly smile. She's only been my mom for about a year and a half.
It's only then I realize that there's furniture everywhere.
"Oh so now you notice." Mom says with a smirk as she notices me looking around.
I'm speechless for a few seconds. There was a TV in the living room and a drawer, with everything from our old house in it, just the way I remembered it.
There were a few pillows and more tatami mats serving as rugs.
A low table is in the center of the room, the one I'm eating on right now.
"...What time did you even get home?" I manage to say.
"Around three in the morning." She says, faking a yawn.
"But it's six right now!" I could smell the morning dew waft into the room.
"Which is why I haven't woken up your brother. I probably should. You're walking to school today." She adds.
I didn't mind walking. "Okay.. What time does school start?"
"7 am sharp. It's only five blocks away from our neighborhood entrance. And you can use your skateboard! So glad I bought that thing."
"Hey! It's not a thing, it's my baby." I say, feeling protective."
"Yeah yeah, eat your soup. I'm going to wake up your brother." She stands up, slides the door open, and heads towards the stairs.
I pull out my phone. I received a text.
It was from Kyle. "Arabella wants to video chat you later on." It read. Arabella is one of my good friends in Michigan, also known as Kyle's twin sister.
A part of me wished the text said "I" instead of "Arabella" but after what happened a week before I left I doubt our friendship will ever be the same. What happened you ask? Another story for another time.
"Ohiyo." My brother says.
"Just because we're in Japan, doesn't mean you have to speak the language." I say coldly.
"Whaddaya mean lil sis? Of course we need to speak the language. We're supposed to trying to 'fit in', remember? Nothing wrong with saying good morning.a What's with the attitude?"
"It's nothing."
"Wow." He starts massaging my shoulders. "Loosen up. I know what's on your mind. You don't like it here."
Was he reading my mind or was it just obvious?
He continues,"Well listen here sister, don't be that 9 year old brat I used to know. You're different now."
I glared at him.
He put his hands up. "In a good way, of course." He chuckles.
"Hurry up, we're gonna be late for school." I say, spooning the last scoop of soup into my mouth.
"Gimme a break! I only got three hours of sleep. And did you even help us last night? No. So buzz off."
There it was. The official JJ bipolar moment of the day. Everyday he would always have a mood snap. Was it annoying? YES.
"Okay then, geez. We're walking to school by the way." I said.
"I know. I know more about this place than you. You just worry about getting the hang of things." He sneered.
I knew he was talking about my appearance, but it's not like he has it any better. He has the blonde hair too, but more of a dirty blonde. He also has green eyes, but they're darker than mine. Handsome? I guess you could say so... thinking about it, a lot of girls did chase after him back in the States.
"Here are your books and I sent you an email of a picture of your school so you can find it when you're near there." Mom says. She was always the type to overdo things.
"How will I ever survive without you?" I laughed.
"You won't." She smiled. Her eyes lit up. "That's right! There's a swimming pool at the school! You like water don't you?"
"Is there a swim team?" I ask, suddenly curious.
"There is, actually. I checked on their website. It doesn't seem too big though. Check it out and maybe you can join if your father lets you." She said, choosing her words carefully.
I know full well that dad doesn't want me to keep on loving water, but my mom is supportive of whatever I want to do.
I shook my head. "I don't swim mom. I surf."
"Ah, that's what it was..."
"New adventure awaits!" Jason calls as he jumps down the stairs.
I roll my eyes and smile. Maybe today won't be too bad.
I grab my skateboard near the front door and slip my shoes on. I have to wear boring uniform shoes and a school uniform everyday I go to school now. It sucks, really.
It was a plain white blouse and a grey vest, with a black jacket over it. I also had to wear a brown skirt and navy blue socks. The shoes were bbrown like the skirt.
"This is so stupid." I say, pinching the side of my skirt.
"It's fine." Jason says hurriedly. He's wearing a white long sleeved shirt with a green tie and a similar to mine black jacket along with navy blue slacks.
We each have a black rectangular book bag.
"Let's go." He says.
"Yeah." I say as I follow him out the door.
The walk to school is awkward. Other students are also walking to school and they're wearing the same uniform. None of them approach us and they keep a safe distance. Me slowly riding a skateboard probably isn'te helping either. People keep on looking at me and Jason with confused expressions. A group of girls are gossipping at a curb side.
I feel a rush of wind. A car passes by. Well, not exactly a car. It's a limo. A long, black, shiny one. Even though the glass is tinted, I see a faint outline of a girl in the passenger seats. The limo heads towards the directon of the school.
We both keep our regular cold, poker faces on and keep walking to school.
I still remember what Jason said while we were at the airport back in Michigan: "We're not going to fit in easily, so we shouldn't try but let's do it for Dad's sake and his job. Just play it cool and don't attract too much attention."
So there we were, playing it cool.
Soon we reach the school. A huge mass of students are socializing outside. When we enter, there are rows of mini lockers.
"What are these?" I ask my brother. I open one and there are a pair of shoes inside. "Huh?" I ask.
"They're for indoor shoes. It's to prevent a lot of dirt cluttering inside the school." Jason explains.
"Ah." I say, "I see."
Suddenly I see a group of girls huddled in front a locker, holding a letter in the shape of a heart that she took out from her locker.
I tilt my head in question towards my brother.
He pauses, looks at them, then shrugs. "Dunno," is all he says.
We wander around the school looking for the main office and in the process, catch a lot of looks from other students. So much for not attracting attention.
We walk up to the room and slide the door open. Two rows of cubicles are evenly lined up, each with one teacher. They all pause from their work, looking up to see who had disturbed them from their work Most have shocked looks on their faces, wondering, "Who are these strange looking people? Foreigners?"
Jason probably didn't make it any better by saying, "Hello, we'd like to get our schedules please. We're new." In perfect Japanese.
Some just stood there gaping, others were whispering to each or, mumbling something I couldn't make out.
One teacher, with short brown hair and a friendly expression, stands up and clears her throat, "Ahem," She dramatically pauses,"Everything should be made more simple, but not simpler."
"What is she talking about?" I whisper to my brother. Before he has a chance to answer, the lady continues.
"Why don't we begin with an introduction? Big brother," She says, crossing her arms and nodding her head towards Jason, "Your name, age, and grade please."
"Alright, my name is Jason Jennings, age seventeen, third-year in high school. Please treat me well." He said respectfully, again in perfect Japanese. I swear that all the woman teachers were swooning all over him.
She smiles warmly but then her expression falls cold again. "And you?" She asks. I assume she's talking to me.
"Violet Jennings, age sixteen, second year in high school. Well treat me please." I say.
A moment of silence falls over the room. It's only when my brother elbows me that I realize my mistake.
"I-I mean, p-please treat me well." I bow my head, half in respect, half to hide my blushing face. I had mixed up my words. Awesome first impression.
A few teachers snicker and I feel myself blushing even harder.
The teacher who was speaking to us clears her throat yet again. She walks towards us with her clipboard in hand, then hands us two papers, one each.
"For you." She explains as she sees our faces contorted with confusion. "They're your schedules for this year."
The teachers all stand up simultaneously. In unison, they all say,
"Welcome to Iwatobi High."
So, how was it? Constructive criticism is appreciated!
I have the second chapter already typed up so once there's uh, let's say, three reviews, I'll update!
Anyways, hope it's up to your standards or whatever! And if you read any of my other stories.. I'm really sorry I haven't updated, I've been extremely busy lately with school and music so I'll try to update them soon but no promises!
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